West Ham United U19s were left frustrated after drawing 3-3 with Stellenbosch in their final group stage match of the Premier League Next Generation Cup in India.
The Irons knew that only a win would be good enough to reach the final of the tournament, while the South African side only needed a draw to book their place at the top of the group after winning their opening two ties.
Goals were aplenty in the blazing conditions at Reliance Corporate Park in Mumbai, with Kyle Bailey notching the opener for Stellenbosch after 22 minutes.Kaelan Casey responded with a header from a Lewis Orford corner, but Stellies hit back through Roy-Keane Avontuur to lead 2-1.
Lauris Coggin’s Hammers rallied again, this time with Liam Jones chipping the ball over the head of goalkeeper De Jean Ah-Shene to level before the end of the 35-minute first half.
George Earthy slotted home a third on 55 minutes to put West Ham ahead for the first time in the game, but they could not hold on as Avontuur ran through and slotted home left-footed to tie the game and see the Hammers finish second in Group A.
Watch highlights of the game above!
