India's miserable campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup ended with a 0-4 rout by strong contenders DPR Korea in their last league encounter at the Dashrath Stadium, in Kathmandu, on Friday.
It was India's third straight defeat in the competition. The team failed to score a single goal while conceding eight.
DPR's goals came through Jon Kwang Ik (fourth minute), Ri Kwang Hyok (34th minute), Pak Nam Chol (58th minute) and Ri Chol Myong (70th minute).
The Koreans, who won all their three matches, topped Group B and moved into the semi-finals with nine points.
DPR were the overwhelming favourites. Apart from their superior FIFA ranking, they boasted of seven players who represented the country n the 2010 World Cup.
Defensive lapses only added to India's misery and the only scoring chance for the team came in the 39th minute, but skipper Sunil Chhetri's left-footer, after being fed by Francis Fernandes, missed the target.
DPR surged ahead early when Jon Kwang Ik capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home and Ri Kwang Hyok doubled the lead in the 34th minute.
It was a familiar script even after the change-over. Coach Savio Medeira did introduce fresh legs but even that didn't help.
Pak Nam Chol and Ri Chol Myong completed the rout with goals in the 58th and 70th minute respectively.
In another match Philippines defeated Tajikistan 2-1 and qualified for the semi-finals as the second team from Group B.
