LA PLATA, Argentina, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Football legend Diego Maradona began his tenure as head coach of Gimnasia y Esgrima with a 2-1 home defeat to defending champions Racing Club in Argentina's Superliga on Sunday.

Diego Gonzalez capitalized on a goalkeeping error to put the visitors ahead just before halftime but the hosts equalized through Matias Garcia shortly after the interval, drawing an animated pitch-side reaction from Maradona.

However the 58-year-old's joy was short-lived as Federico Zaracho struck from close range after another mistake from Gimnasia keeper Alex Martin Arias.

"I thought the team played well, the boys were great. We need to keep working. We're not done yet," said Maradona, who was appointed Gimnasia manager on September 6 after agreeing to a contract that runs until next May.

Gimnasia remain last in the 24-team Superliga standings with just one point from the first six matches.

In other fixtures on Sunday, Talleres Cordoba won 1-0 at Banfield, Newell's Old Boys drew 1-1 at Rosario Central, Independiente were held to a 2-2 home draw by Lanus and Boca Juniors won 1-0 at home to Estudiantes. Enditem

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