India concede late equaliser to settle for 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in international friendly

NEW DELHI: India salvaged a 1-1 draw against higher-ranked Tajikistan in the second international friendly on Tuesday after conceding a late equaliser in Dushanbe.Vikram Partap Singh gave the Blue Tigers the lead in the first half, but a costly defensive error seven minutes from full-time allowed the hosts to draw level from the penalty spot through Sheriddin Boboev.The result came after India had suffered a 1-3 defeat in the opening friendly last Friday.Vikram gives India the leadThe first half was closely contested, with neither side able to establish clear dominance. India, however, made the most of a set-piece opportunity in the 23rd minute.After Mohammed was fouled just outside the penalty area, Farukh Choudhary stepped up to take the free-kick. His effort sailed over the wall and slipped through the grasp of the Tajikistan goalkeeper, who failed to gather the ball cleanly.Vikram reacted quickest to the loose ball and tapped home from close range to hand India a deserved lead.Tajikistan hit back lateIndia defended resolutely for much of the match and looked set to finish the tour with a morale-boosting victory.However, their hopes were dashed in the closing stages when a handball inside the box handed Tajikistan a penalty.Sheriddin Boboev stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 84th minute, leaving the Indian goalkeeper with no chance and ensuring the hosts avoided defeat.Valuable outing for IndiaDespite missing out on victory, the draw offered positives for India after the disappointment of the first friendly.The two matches against Tajikistan formed an important part of the team's preparations for upcoming international assignments, giving the coaching staff a chance to test combinations and assess players ahead of future competitions.