India on Tuesday lost their final 2018 World Cup qualifiers match to Turkmenistan 2-1 at Kochi. India thus ended their campaign with a solitary win in eight games and finished fifth in their group with just three points.

In a game of contrasting halves, India came out strongly in the first 45 minutes. They were, however, helped by the fact that Turkmenistan missed a penalty in 21st minute. Six minutes later, Sandeep Jhingan headed towards goal following a great free-kick from Narayan Das. Turkmenistan went on the attack following the goal, but India held firm and went into half-time with their lead intact.

However, India were brought back to reality in the second half as the Turkmenistan captain Amanov Arslan equalised four minutes after half-time. The heat and humidity in Kochi seemed to take a toll on India's players, as Turkmenistan upped the momentum and scored the winner in the 70th minute.