India lost 4-2 to hosts Malaysia in the opening match, a virtual semi-final, to bow out of the Merdeka Cup football tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Malaysia took the lead in the seventh minute through Dion Cools before Naorem Mahesh Singh equalised with a beautiful volley in the 13th minute.

In the 20th, Malaysia were awarded a penalty. Nikhil Poojary seemed to have had contact with Arif Amin and referee Mongkolchai Pechhri pointed to the dreaded spot. Amin made it 2-1. Faisal Halim increased the scoreline to 3-1 four minutes from half-time.

India captain Sunil Chhetri made it 2-3 in the 52nd minute. Five minutes later, a huge controversy broke out when Lallianzuala Chhangte was denied the equaliser.

Chhangte got the ball inside the box and his shot deflected off goalkeeper Ahmad's body and crossed the goalline before a clearance from Cools. The referee, though, thought otherwise.

India coach Igor Stimac and the entire team were furious with the decision. Replays clearly showed the ball had crossed the line.