Thaindian News

Port of Spain, Aug 22 (IANS) Riding on Darryl Roberts’ brace, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T;) defeated India 3-0 in an international football friendly at the Hasely Crawford Stadium here Sunday

The Soca Warriors led 1-0 at the interval. The first goal came off a penalty from veteran striker Stern John in the 19th minute while Roberts added two more in the 47th and 85th minute.

Both teams started cautiously. While T&T; tried to keep the possession trying to stitch as many passes as possible, the Indians adopted a more direct approach. They conceded the first goal in the 19th minute when Raju Gaikwad brought down Roberts on the right side of the box. John easily converted from the spot.

Stung by the early reverse, India tried hard to regroup and their best chance of the half came when Syed Rahim Nabi beat the T&T; defence on the left, cut in but his right-footer just curled wide off the goal.

The hosts doubled their lead immediately after the resumption when Roberts made it 2-0 in the 47th minute. The goal raised fears that India could be in danger of falling apart, but the boys combined well as they went all out to reduce the margin.

First a Nabi header off a Gaikwad throw-in just went over the crossbar in the 53rd minute and then a couple of minutes later, T&T; goalkeeper Marvin Phillips blocked Sunil Chhetri’s effort and Nabi shot over off the rebound.

The visitors had yet another chance in the 73rd minute but Jeje Lalpekhlua was not able to get it past an alert Phillips.

India conceded a late third goal in the 85th minute when T&T; caught their defence on the wrong foot and Roberts placed it past Subrata Pal.

Coach Armando Colaco said it was a learning experience for his boys.

“Trinidad & Tobago are a much better team and they showed it why. It was a learning experience from my boys,” said Colaco.

“But I am proud of the manner my boys came back and fought. We take this experience to Guyana and hope for a better result.”