India lose 1-2 to Turkmenistan, fourth on the trot

The great Indian slump continued with a fourth straight defeat, 1-2, to Turkmenistan in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday. The Blues are bottom of Group D have virtually no chance to even qualify for the Asian Cup--by virtue of finishing third.

Gubanch Abylov scored the first goal of match for the hosts in the 8th minute while Arslanmynat Amanov scored the winner on hour mark. Jeje Lalpeklhua had equalised for India in the 28th minute. The loss will put more focus on prematch criticism that the team's training was hampered owing to the Indian Super League (ISL) schedule. The clubs had released players for national duty only Sunday evening. This defeat also puts national coach Stephen Constantine's future in doubt.

India had the first chance of the game as Francis Fernandes lined up a shot only to see it go inches wide of the post.Turkmenistan managed to take the lead against the run of play two min utes later as Abylov hit on the counter.

India equalised in the 28th minute hrough Jeje. Turkmenistan keeper Mammet Orazmuhammedow managed to parry a shot on goal, but Jeje was lurking in the box to make it 1-1. The hosts went ahead again in the 60th minute through a smart finish by Amanov. Jeje once again had the opportunity to restore parity minutes ater, but his powerful header was directed straight at the keeper.

Robin Singh had a chance to equalise in the 86th minute, but failed to score with only the goalkeeper to beat. That was the visitors' last chance. India face Oman next on October 13.