Defending champions India crashed to a 1-0 defeat to Lebanon in the opening match of the Nehru Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi.

Ali Al Saadi thumped a free-kick after just four minutes into Subrata Pal's net to leave the hosts chasing the game thereafter. India began sluggishly and almost conceded another after just six minutes but fortunately for Bob Houghton's men, Hassan Maatouk's shot curved just wide of Pal's goal.

India then fought back and skipper Baichung Bhutia had a fine chance after 17 minutes, but his shot was deflected away while a Sushil Kumar header off a cross from Steven Dias was cleared off the line.

Defender NP Pradeep came close shortly later after being nicely set-up by Dias, but his header too went just wide.

India had a couple more good opportunities in the first half and although Houghton pressed AFC Challenge Cup hero Sunil Chettri into service at the start of the second half, the visitors stubbornly held on to their lead.