The Wellington Phoenix footballers suffered a surprise 3-2 loss to Shillong Lajong in the North-East Super Series final at the Nehru Stadium in India.
The Phoenix started well and took the lead within five minutes through Jeremy Brockie with a glancing header from a perfect Alex Smith cross.
After that strong opening the Phoenix went off the boil and by half-time were trailing 2-1 thanks to two goals from Friday Gbenene, the first after a dreadful error by Tony Lochhead who played the ball into his path.
The Phoenix created chances galore but could only manage a Paul Ifill penalty on the scoreboard which levelled the score at 2-2.
In contrast Shillong had only one shot at goal in the second half, but it was the matchwinner 30 metres out with seven minutes left.
The Phoenix lost could be put down to it being their fourth game in nine days, along with some difficult travel.
