LUCKNOW: India fulfilled its long cherished dream of annexing the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup as it drew one-one with Asian games gold medalists, South Korea in their last round Robin match at the Dhyan Chand Stadium here on March 6th.
A penalty stokes conversion by expert Shakeel Ahmed, top scorer in the six nation tournament, in the 55th minute clinched the issue for India, who were trailing by a 15th minute goal by Choi Jeong Ho of South Korea.
India needed just a draw to etch their name on the glittering cup for the first time. They had eight points to South Korea’s seven before this match and the splitting of points helped them win the tournament in its fourth year.
Earlier, Japan defeated Poland 4-3 to take the fourth spot behind Malaysia.
Koreans, who concentrated on attack, went ahead in the 15th minute when assault leader Kim Jae Cheon swiftly passed on to Cho Jeong Ho who drove in with clear goal gap in sight.
India countered the goal with two successive penalty comers, but Jagdev Singh failed on both occasions.
Then Darryl S. Souza who deceived the Koreans with speed and dribbling skill, got two openings but once he lost control when it was needed most and ‘on the second time hit straight to goalkeeper.
Korea also wasted a good chance, in. 33rd minute. Yoon Jung Hwan after beating two defenders pushed out in front of a goal as custodian A.B. Subbiah was out of position.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 16, 1990
