The Hindu : Sport / Football : India, Malaysia play out a draw

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Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008
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India, Malaysia play out a draw

HYDERABAD: India and Malaysia were locked in a 1-1 draw in a practice match ahead of the AFC Challenge Cup football tournament which is to be held here later this month.

The practice match held on Tuesday afforded both teams a chance to get a feel of the ground conditions and test their key players before the tournament gets underway.

The first half which was goalless saw hardly any worthwhile action. The only excitement came when a free kick taken by Climax Lawrence sailed a few inches over the Malaysian citadel.

But in the second half the action was better and both teams gave a more co-ordinated display. Baichung Bhutia gave India the lead when he banged home a well timed shot from inside the box. Thereafter Malaysia launched several good attacks but the Indian defence stood firm.

However the visitors restored parity when a Malaysian attacker was felled inside the box an the referee awarded a spot kick against India. Malaysia’s Indra Putra slotted home the penalty.

After the match both the coaches Bob Houghton of India and B. Satyanathan of Malaysia expressed satisfaction at the way their teams had played although Houghton was highly critical of the choice of venue.

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