Johor Bahru (Malaysia), Sep 23 (IANS): A late strike by Ramandeep Singh helped India edge past Argentina 3-2 in their second game at the U-21 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup here Monday.

India trailed for a large part of the match but found their scoring touch when it mattered.

It was a poor performance by India who seemed lost in midfield and lacked the sting upfront. But they still managed to collect all three points from the South Americans who really deserved at least a point for their tireless style of hockey.

Argentina had lost their opening match 2-4 against Malaysia while India beat England 2-1 in their opening games Sunday.

It was Argentina that drew first blood when Carlos Ibarra converted a penalty corner that Indian custodian Harjot singh failed to cover his angle in the 16th minute.

India awoke from their slumber and were on level terms in the 23rd minute when Affan Yusof showed slick stickwork in the semi circle before a reverse stick hit that sailed past Tomas Matias in the Argentina goal.

Off their second penalty corner in the 42nd minute, Argentina were awarded a penalty stroke after the attept by Ibarra hit Indian skipper Manpreet Singh on the foot.

Ibarra made no mistake from the spot to give Argentina a 2-1 lead.

India were fortunate in their equaliser as Manpreet played a ball into the crowded semi circle and although Ramandeep Singh claimed credit for the goal, it bounced off the Argentina keeper pads into goal to make it 2-2 in the 60th minute.

And two minutes later it was Ramandeep who put India ahead as he cleverly deflected in at the far post to give India the 3-2 lead.