almotamar-net - NEW DELHI: India played poorly against an inspired Yemen to go down 0-3 in a Group A qualifying tie here on Wednesday of the Asian Cup 2007 football championship.

Yemen, ranked 139th by the game's world governing body FIFA, led 2-0 at the interval and completed the misery for 118th ranked India by striking once more in the second half.

Salem Saeed Abdullah (6th minute), Fekri Al-Hubaishi (43rd) and Ali Al Nono (56th minute, penalty) scored for Yemen, whose players were cheered by a vocal contingent of supporters flown in especially for the match.

India's defence, comprising Inrugbam Singh, Sanjeev Maria, N.P. Pradeep and Deepak Mandal, faltered miserably and collapsed in the face of a persistent onslaught from fleet footed forwards Abdullah, Al-Hubaishi and Al-Nono, who were backed by hard working mid-fielders and defenders.

India, led by Bhaichung Bhutia, never looked like fighting back against an agile and physically stronger side.

The Yemeni players ran faster, had better ball control and dominated the full 90 minutes of play.

India will meet Yemen in a return match at Ali Mohsen Stadium in Sana'a Nov 15.

But before that, they will play Saudi Arabia at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium Aug 16 and travel to Jeddah to play the hosts Sep 6 in the return match