One of the better trained and disciplined clubs in the Capital, Indian Nationals were the favourites against Shastri FC at the Ambedkar Stadium on Wednesday. However, last year’s runners up failed to justify the billing and, in fact, huffed and puffed their way to a 1-1 draw.

ND Opara came closest to put them in the lead in the first half, midfielder Rishi Kapoor’s shot clipped off the bar, Pronoy Roy came up with valiant saves — especially the wrong-footed one — deflecting Balkar Singh’s close-range shot instinctively. M Maithan, Gyan Mohan, Santa Singh, OT Lepcha and Opara placed themselves into intriguing moves through the centre and right flank, making use of the gap left between Shastri FC’s midfield and forward line. Santa Singh, in the dying minutes, was spot on with his corner kicks and crosses, but Opara and Gyan Mohan fluffed at the goalmouth with only ‘keeper Mohammad Atif to beat.

Lepcha’s scratchy 55th minute strike for an equaliser off a Maithan pass was the only thing that went Nationals’ way.

For Shastri FC though, the story was just the opposite, both with the game and discipline. They went into the lead with one of the best goals of the season — with KC Naghaite, standing at the first post, directing a cross from right, towards the far post and in the process keeping custodian Pronoy Roy stranded. The second half saw them lose the tempo, and their heads as they fell either too back with their defence or the two forwards went too much ahead, only to be outnumbered by rival defenders.

Striker Emmanuel was sent out for committing an off-the-ball foul, elbowing Baru Okau far from action.