Sidoarjo (Indonesia), Jan 27 (NationPress) The India U20 men's football team faced a disappointing defeat, losing 0-5 to Jordan in their second encounter during the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series held at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo on Monday.

This marked the second consecutive loss for the Blue Colts, who previously suffered a 1-6 defeat against Syria in their opening match last Friday. After securing a 1-0 victory over Indonesia, Jordan has now achieved two wins in as many matches. India is set to face Indonesia again on Thursday in their final match.

The four-nation friendly tournament has proven challenging for India, as they are fielding a squad comprised mainly of under-17 and under-18 players, while their opponents are utilizing these games to prepare for the AFC U20 Asian Cup.

Despite facing a faster and more physically imposing Jordanian team, India started the match positively, managing to keep the score at 0-0 until the 45th minute.

Head coach Biby Thomas adjusted the defense, opting for a five-man backline in a 5-4-1 formation. However, the team encountered an early setback when right-back Yaipharemba Chingakham sustained an injury and was replaced by Jodric Abranches, which necessitated Mukul Panwar to shift to the right.

Nonetheless, the newly configured backline put forth a commendable effort for most of the first half, organizing themselves tightly and blocking pathways through the center. India also displayed more fluidity in attack compared to their last game. The Blue Colts generated their first opportunity in the 11th minute, with Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh connecting with a free-kick from Ngamgouhou Mate, attempting to flick it to Abranches at the far post. The defender launched himself at the cross but missed the ball by mere inches.

Just two minutes later, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom tested Jordan's goalkeeper Abdullah Al Shogran from a distance after cutting in from the left and taking a low shot. Jordan had their opportunities as well, but none were on target. Forwards Ibrahim Sabra and Odeh Fakhoury both sent grounded attempts wide of Karan Makkar's goal.

India's striker Bharat Lairenjam and midfielder Ngamgouhou Mate both attempted long-range shots, with Lairenjam's going off target and Mate's finding its way into Al Shogran's gloves.

After frustrating Jordan for 45 minutes, it took something extraordinary to breach the Indian defense. That moment came in the first minute of added time when Fakhoury unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards that found the top corner. Just a minute later, he doubled the lead with a low shot past Makkar.

In the early stages of the second half, Fakhoury turned provider, slipping a defense-splitting pass through to score the third goal by slotting it under the Indian custodian.

A corner from Mohammad Taha led to the fourth goal in the 69th minute. Sabra's header hit the post, and although Ezz Aldin Abualsood headed the rebound, Manbhakupar Malngiang managed to clear it off the line. However, at the third attempt, Yousef Al Maqableh successfully headed the clearance into the net.

Substitute Omar Ghona Joq concluded the scoring in the 90th minute with a well-placed strike from the edge of the 18-yard box.