Dream debut for two Thrissur lads in Malaysia draw, but India remain winless in over a year

Two Malayalis made their senior India debut in a 1-1 friendly draw with Malaysia at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.

Thrissur natives Jithin M S and Vibin Mohanan got their first minutes in senior India colours. NorthEast United winger Jithin came off the bench in the 79th minute for Farukh Choudhary.

While the occasion was memorable for Kerala Blasters midfielder Vibin, he could not get a touch of the ball as Manolo Marquez sent him on with less than 30 seconds remaining in the five minutes of added time.

Jithin has been in stellar form for his club with four assists in the Indian Super League this season. Vibin, who is a key member of Blasters' central midfield, has played for India across various age groups.

In the dying moments, Malaysia hit the post and forced a save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as India held on to the hard-fought draw.

The hosts had gone behind in the 19th minute to a howler from Gurpreet. The experienced stormed out of his box to head clear a long ball but misjudged the bounce, which went over his 6 ft 6 inches frame and allowed Malaysian striker Paulo Josue a simple finish.

India equalised from a corner swung in by Brandon Fernandes, which was met with a header by Rahul Bheke in the 39th minute.

India have not won a match in over a year; the last win (1-0) came against Kuwait in Kuwait City in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.