Football
Mandiri U20 Challenge Series: Jordan puts five past India in a 5-0 rout
Despite a courageous first half, the Indian defense fell like nine pins in the second half.
Jordan put five past India in the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series. (Photo Credit: AIFF)
The India U20 men's team lost 0-5 to Jordan in the second match of the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, on Monday.
It was the Blue Colts' second loss on the trot after going down 1-6 to Syria in the opening match last Friday.
India will take on Indonesia in their third and final match on Thursday, January 30.
The four-nation friendly tournament was expected to be an uphill task for India, who are participating with under 17 and 18 players, while their opponents are using the games to prepare for the AFC U20 Asian Cup.
Up against faster and physically stronger Jordanians, India made a promising start by keeping it goalless until the 45th minute.
Head coach Biby Thomas tweaked the defense and started with a five-man backline in a 5-4-1 formation.
However, it suffered an early blow when right-back Yaipharemba Chingakham picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Jodric Abranches, which meant Mukul Panwar had to shift to the right.
But the new look backline put on a courageous display for the majority of the first half, organizing themselves compactly and blocking pathways through the middle.
In fact in attack as well, India looked more fluid than in the last game. Jordan also had their share of attempts but neither landed on target.
After leaving Jordan frustrated for 45 minutes, it had to take something special to beat the Indian defense.
And it arrived via Fakhoury in the first minute of added time, who found the top corner with a solid strike from 25 yards.
In the very next minute, he scored the second with a low shot past Makkar.
Early in the second half, Fakhoury turned provider as he released with a defense-splitting pass. The forward slotted it through the Indian custodian's legs to make it 3-0.
Mohammad Taha's corner created the fourth goal in the 69th minute. Substitute Omar Ghona Joq wrapped up the scoring in the 90th minute with a well-placed strike from the top of the 18-yard box.
