Dushanbe (Tajikistan), May 24 (IANS): Indian boys were beaten 0-1 after a tough fight against hosts Tajikistan in the AFC Under-14 Regional Festival Of Football at the FC Istiklol Academy Ground here.

India started the match on Saturday on a positive note and piled pressure on their opponents. Bishnu and Ninthoi paired up and exchanged a couple of elegantly timed passes, which saw the latter on to goal, only to shoot inches wide of the post.

Minutes later, Flan’s through ball found a bombarding Ninthoi, who chopped inside from the right flank with utmost grace and tested the mettle of the opposing goalkeeper.

In the 30th minute, against the run of play, the Indian colts conceded as a low cross found an unmarked Tajik striker, who slotted the ball home.

Trailing by a solitary goal at half-time did not deter Indian spirits as the boys responded with a wave of fluid and clinical attacks right from the start of the second half.

Within minutes, India fostered a brilliant opportunity to equalise as an unmarked Sanjeev was found in Tajik’s 18-yard box by Jitu’s long through ball, but the opportunity went abegging as Sanjeev blasted it inches over the crossbar.

Showcasing attacking fluidity and dominating the flow of the match, India were at it again. Amarjeet’s radar released a well-timed through ball for Ninthoi, who slotted it wide of the goal.

The dying embers witnessed a barrage of Indian attacks but the Tajik defence was able to thwart them.

India face Iran on Monday.