Siliguri: The Indian football team squandered a first-half lead to eventually go down to AFC Challenge Cup Champions Palestine 2-3 in an International friendly here yesterday.

India led 2-1 at the interval at the Kanchenjunga Stadium. Down by an early 8th minute goal, India displayed character to overturn the table by the interval, courtesy goals from captain Sunil Chhetri and Francis Fernandes. But Wridat Ahmed and Khader Abuhammad scored one apiece for Palestine in the second half to settle the issue for the visitors.