India fail to extend winning streak

Mumbai: India's quest for their 10th successive victories was brought to a screeching halt as they were held to a 1-1 draw by St Kitts & Nevis at the Mumbai Football Arena. 

India dominated proceedings but the visitors found a late equaliser through Amory Gvaune to cancel out Jackichand Singh's first half opener.

The hosts made just one change from their previous outing with striker Balwant Singh, who scored the winner against Mauritius, replacing Robin Singh. 

The match started on a high note with away side's Tishan Hanley fancying his chances in the very first minute of the game. India had the ball in the back of the net soon after when a free kick from Narayan Das was turned in by Balwant Singh after some penalty box scrap only for the linesman to raise the flag and rule it offside. 

The home side kept up the pressure and finally went ahead in the 39th minute when Jackichand flicked-on a looping header into the far left corner of the post from Rowlin Borges' cross. The Blue Tigers went into half time with a slender 1-0 lead.

The second half began with Constantine replacing Balwant with Robin Singh and the latter jumped right into action making a right mess of a presentable chance.

The striker was blessed with a one-on-one against the keeper but could only find the custodian's midriff with his effort. 

Meanwhile, the visitors came out with a better approach in the second half creating more opportunities which resulted in a 72nd minute equaliser. It came from a setpiece as a lofted corner was met by Tiran Hanley and reached Gvaune who slotted the ball into Indian goal silencing the home fans. 

It was an even competition after the equaliser. Both sides were in search of a late winner with Manvir Singh, who replaced Jeje, missing a late chance and Robin adding to his list of missed chances by hitting the woodwork in additional time.