Tri-nation football: India win tourney

India ended their streak of nine wins on the trot

A profligate India conceded a late goal to be held to a 1-1 draw by lower-ranked St Kitts and Nevis but it was enough for the home side to clinch the Tri-Nation football tournament in Mumbai on Thursday.

India, ranked 97th in the FIFA chart, largely dominated their second and final round-robin match but wasted several chances.

Jackichand Singh gave the home side the lead in the 38th minute but Amory Gvaune scored the equaliser for the 125th ranked St Kitts and Nevis in the 72nd minute to split points with the home side.

India won the tournament with four points. They had defeated Mauritius 2-1 in their first match.

St Kitts and Nevis finished runners-up as they had also settled for a 1-1 draw against Mauritius.

The draw, however, meant that India ended their streak of nine wins on the trot.

India, who started on an aggressive note, took the lead in the 38th minute, courtesy a stunning header by Jackichand Singh who was assisted by Rowllin Borges who sent a beautiful cross from the right wing.

St Kitts and Nevis had to wait for 33 minutes for the equaliser. Gvaune netted the ball after being assisted by Tiano Hanley, who headed the ball to the goal-scorer after a corner.

In the injury-added time, India had quite a few chances to score their second goal and register their 10th win on the trot, but the strikers either missed the target or it was saved by the opposition custodian.