Pronay''s absence killed us: Stimac

Muscat, November 20

The lack of goals and defensive midfielder Pronay Halder's substitution due to a shoulder injury "killed" India in their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman here, feels coach Igor Stimac. 

The Indian hopes of getting a positive result dealt a severe blow as Halder and Adil Khan had to be substituted inside the first 40 minutes owing to injuries and Oman had already put their noses in front in the 33rd minute through Muhsen Al Ghassani's strike leaving India a mountainous task at hand. 

Pronay, who suffered a shoulder injury, was replaced by Vinit Rai in the 27th minute while the coach introduced Anas Edathodika after withdrawing Khan in the 36th minute.

Stimac said, "Today, our only player who is a tough tackler (Pronay) suffered a shoulder injury. He was the main player who could fight for the second ball and his absence killed us in the second half." The Croat added at the post-match press conference, "When you are forced to make two substitutions due to injuries in the first half, it upsets the team. You need to compromise with the work  you have done before.” — PTI

Hong Kong fans turn backs on anthem 

Dubai: Hong Kong fans turned their backs to the Chinese national anthem once again but supported their team and were rewarded with a first win in Asian qualifying, 2-0, over Cambodia, on Tuesday. Before the match, home fans jeered and turned their backs to the pitch as the Chinese national anthem played. Hong Kong have five points in Group C, Iraq remain on top. Elsewhere, Jordan beat Chinese Taipei 5-0 in Group B, while Qatar beat Afghanistan 1-0 in their Group E. afp