For India, the new combination of Bhaichung Bhutia and Sushil hardly made an impression. The Indian players then slowed down the pace and got the measure of Gaddar and Ali.

India increased the tempo in the last five minutes before the breather and created three opportunities but were unlucky to score.

N.P. Pradeep's header from Steven Dias' cross skimmed the bar while Sushil's shot on the turn was saved brilliantly by keeper Larry Mehana.

In the second half, Houghton stunned everybody by calling Chettri, who gave his best but that was not enough. Chettri was quick to outrun the resolute Lebanese defence but didn't get much support from the mid-field.

Dias, who played a crucial role in the last edition, showed some creativity in the midfield but Climax Lawrence was rusty. Newcomer Anthony Pereira, playing his second international match, looked impressive.

In the dying minutes, Bhutia was yellow carded for feigning injury after he was brought down at the Lebanon box.

Teams:

India: Subrata Paul, Gourmangi Singh, Anwar (Mehrajuddin Wadoo, 58), Surkumar Singh, N.S. Manju (Mahesh Gawli, 51) Climax Lawrence, Steven Dias, Anthony Pereira, N.P. Pradeep; Bhaichung Bhutia, Sushil Singh (Sunil Chettri, 46)

Lebanon: Lary Mehana, Ali Al Saad, Ali Hamam, Bilal Najjarine, Ali Yakoub, Ali El Etat, Hassan Maatouk (Sussien Dadik, 46), Mohammad Korhani, Mohammad Gaddar (Amer Khan, 46), Mohmoud El Ali