Indian colts were left to rue missed chances and sloppy defending as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Nepal in the under-17 Asia Cup qualifier match at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on Monday.
The hosts, who were tagged as firm favourites, took the lead through substitute Lalawmpuia Pachuau in the 42nd minute, but suffered a jolt as the visitors drew level from a defensive lapse minutes after the breather.
Pachuau, who replaced Romeo Sukhlain, made good use of the opportunity as he was fed by B Ralte inside the rival box. The youngster found some space and promptly placed the ball into the net past a baffled Nepal custodian Sanjeev Shrestha.
The joy in the Indian camp was, however, shortlived as the Nepal boys restored parity in the 47 minute making good use of a freekick from just outside the opponents' box.
Durga Lawat's shot from the set-piece hit the cross-bar but Shishir Adhikari was the quickest to react and put his team back on level terms.
The Indians, desperate to score a winner, created a few chances and were distinctly unlucky as their attempts were denied by the woodwork on a couple of occasions.
In the 83rd minute, a Somnath Mitra header from a Robert Lalthlamuana cross hit the post. In the next minute, Pachuau's rasping right footer from 30 yards was denied by the woodwork.
Indian coach Jahar Das admitted lack of conhesiveness in defence and said the team would have changes in next match. India would take on Afghanistan on December 3.
Only the champions from the group would qualify for the main rounds to be played in Japan in September, 2004.
