AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: A nine-man Indian U-20 National Team went down 0-2 against local club side Murcia U-20 in their opening match of the COTIF Cup in Valencia, Spain on July 29, 2018. Anwar Ali and Jitendra Singh were given marching orders in the second half.

However, it was as early as the 4^th minute that Murcia U-20 were reduced to ten-man for a rash foul on Boris Singh. But hey converted directly from a free-kick in the 27^th minute to take the lead.

The Indian colts had a glorious opportunity to restore parity in the 39^th minute. But Abhijit Sarkar failed to make the most of the opportunity after he was set in the clear by Boris.

Changing over, the Indians suffered two jolts as both the central defenders were given marching orders. First, Anwar Ali was flashed the red in the 56^th minute, and as if it wasn’t enough, Jitendra was red-carded in the 65^th minute.

Murcia eventually made it 2-0 in the 80^th minute, a lead which they managed to hold on till the end.

The Indian U-20 National Team will face African side Mauritania U-20 National Team next on July 31, 2018.