Dubai: A pre-match minute's silence for legendary former Indian captain Sailen Manna, who passed away aged 87 yesterday, couldn't stir India's sense of patriotism as they went down 3-0 to Azerbaijan at The Sevens Stadium yesterday.
Manna lifted the 1951 Asian Games with India and, even to his death, remained the only Asian player ever to be voted among the world's top ten captains in 1953.
But memories of his defensive prowess quickly faded after five minutes due to a poor clearance by keeper Subhashish Roy Chaudari from a Vashum R. backpass. Vugar Nadirov deflected a curling effort into the top right corner for the clean-up.
India regained some composure after a nervy start before Raju Gaikwad brought down Mahir Shukarov for a penalty on 42 minutes. Shukarov converted the spot kick slotting into the bottom left.
A brighter start to the second half by India saw Sushil Kamal Singh's header tipped over the bar by keeper Kamran Aghayev, following a Francis Fernandes cross. Azebaijan netted a third on 83 minutes when Afran Ismayilov pulled it back to an unmarked Nizami Hasiyez, who struck into the bottom right.