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India colts score first victory

An outstanding 30th minute goal by winger Prabhjot Singh enabled India beat Switzerland 1-0 in the second Akhbar Al Yom International hockey tournament in Cairo on Tuesday.

This was the Indian junior string's first victory in two matches.

India took about ten minutes to settle down and were at the receiving end as Switzerland manoeuvered constant raids and earned five penalty-corners in this short duration. However, Indian goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan was in total control and warded off all attempts.

Thereafter, the Indian colts got their act together and essayed many forays into the rival defence. The forwards were well-supported by the midfielders. Skipper Bimal Lakra along with half backs Tirkey and Shamsu Zott and forward Gurjani Singh constantly set up wingers Prabhjot and Arjun Halappa who thrilled with their electric runs and superb ball control.

India should have taken the lead in the 25th minute after Gurjani and Prabhjot combined with lightning speed down the middle. However, Gujrani's weak hit was easily saved by Swiss goalkeeper Roger Thoma.

Nevertheless, the Indians did not have to wait long to draw first blood. Five minutes later, right back Len Ayappa scooped a long ball to Bipin Fernandes who set up Prabhjot near the circle. The Indian winger forged through two Swiss defenders and after side-stepping past the onrushing custodian shot home with a crisp reverse flick.

India could have increased the lead upon resumption in the second half but Gujrani hit straight into Thoma.

Seven minutes from time India were harshly penalised as forward Tejbir Singh was shown the red card for wildly swinging his stick without being in possession of the ball. And though the Indians were down to ten men, they successfully defended their citadel.

India now play hosts Egypt on Thursday.

In another match, South Africa beat Egypt 2-1 to register their second successive victory.

UNI