In Ipoh, Malaysia, India fought hard but ultimately lost 2‑3 to Belgium in the rain‑impacted, rescheduled match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Abhishek – who scored in the 33rd minute – and Shilanand Lakra – finding the net in the 57th – chalked up India’s goals. Belgium’s two‑goal haul came from Roman Duvekot (17th and 57th minutes) and Nicolas De Kerpel (45th).
The Indians started strong, keeping the Belgian side in check during the first quarter and weathering an early onslaught of pressure. Pawan, the keeper, made crucial saves on both ends of the restart, helping India stay level as the game progressed. Belgium’s first real chance arrived from a penalty corner after ten minutes, followed by another, but India’s defense held firm.
In the second quarter, India pressed forward, linking up neatly as they searched for a breakthrough. Belgium broke the deadlock with Duvekot’s 17th‑minute goal, and even after India’s Dilpreet Singh’s stunning finish was ruled out for dangerous play, Belgium held their single‑goal advantage into halftime.
The second half saw India surge back into the contest, with Abhishek restoring parity from a superb move at 33. They pushed hard for a second win, but Belgium’s De Kerpel returned the lead from a penalty corner in the 45th minute. The Belgian counter‑attack added another early tally when Duvekot scored in the 46th, giving them breathing room.
India fought on and a near‑miss from a penalty corner with under ten minutes left turned into a goal from Lakra in the 57th, thanks to a brilliant cross by Rabichandra Singh. With just a minute left, Mohit HS made an impressive stop to deny Belgium a fourth, yet the equaliser slipped away in this closely contested match.
India’s next fixture is against Malaysia on November 26 at 17:30 IST. All 2025 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup games will be streamed live on FanCode.
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