India suffers defeat against Thailand in FIFA international friendly ahead of Asian Cup Qualifier
New Delhi: India suffered a 0-2 defeat against Thailand in a friendly match, highlighting areas needing improvement before their upcoming Asian Cup qualifier.
Thailand secured a victory, with Benjamin Davis and Poramet Arjvilai netting goals in the 8th and 59th minutes, respectively, at Thammasat Stadium. Thailand controlled the majority of the game.
Thailand, ranked 99th globally, defeated India in their recent match, reversing India's previous two victories. Thailand demonstrated superior performance throughout the game.
India is currently ranked at 127th.
Sunil Chhetri, the talisman who netted a brace in India's 4-1 triumph over Thailand at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, came close to scoring again in the 24th minute, but his glancing header was denied by a diving save from Thai goalkeeper Saranon Anuin.
India had also defeated Thailand 1-0 in the 2019 King's Cup.
The match served as a preparatory fixture for India's crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifying clash against Hong Kong on June 10 in Kowloon.
Thailand's upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Turkmenistan presents a similar challenge.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
India Beat Thailand 2-1 In Asia Cup Qualifier, One Step Closer To Australia
Sangita Basfore struck both goals as India defeated Thailand 2-1 to seal qualification to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 here on Saturday. The victory meant India finished with a perfect 12 points in Group B of the Qualifiers as former champions Thailand missed out. This is the first time the Women in Blue have qualified for the continental cup through the qualifiers route, with their last appearance in the tournament coming in 2003. With identical points and goal difference, both sides needed a victory, but the tie got off to a cagey start with action limited to the middle of the pitch. Thailand enjoyed more possession, but India were solid defensively as they worked tirelessly to close down the spaces. Limited to counterattacks, India made one count in the 29th minute with a spectacular effort from Sangita. The move started in their half, with Anju Tamang cutting the ball back for the unmarked Sangita, who unleashed her shot from just outside the box past a despairing Tiffany Sornpao. Stung by the goal, Thailand upped their tempo but found India a resilient lot, with the hosts limited to half chances as the South Asian side went into the break ahead. Thailand, however, needed only two minutes into the restart to draw level with Chatchawan Rodthong enjoying a stroke of luck as her shot from distance took a wicked bounce to beat India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi before settling in the net. India, however, refused to let Thailand build on the goal, and their determination paid dividends in the 74th minute. Defender Nirmala Devi floated her corner across the face of the goalmouth, with the ball finding Shilky Devi, who nodded it across for Sangita to head home past a static Thai defence as India took their place at Australia 2026.
India Gazette
a day ago
- India Gazette
Etched in history: Blue Tigresses secure AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification for first time
Chiang Mai [Thailand], July 6 (ANI): India earned a gritty 2-1 victory against hosts Thailand, sealing their qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 on Saturday, July 5. When the final whistle blew at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on July 5, 2025, Sangita Basfore broke down in tears, as per the AIFF press release. India had just created history! For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had a successful qualification campaign for the AFC Women's Asian Cup. India's last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, at a time when there were no qualifiers. They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak. This time, there were no exemptions--only merit. And fittingly, it was Sangita, the tireless midfield engine, who delivered on the night. Her brace - one in each half (28th and 74th minutes) - powered India past a strong Thailand side in what was a high-stakes, winner-takes-all Group B showdown. Thailand's Chatchawan Rodthong (47th minute) had briefly reignited the home side's hopes with a second-half equaliser, but Basfore's decisive second goal shattered their dreams and carved India's path to the Asian Cup. Buoyed by the vocal support of thousands in the stands, Thailand took control early. They played with energy and flair, dominating possession and pinning India back. In the 15th minute, Pattaranan Aupachai broke down the right and cut back for Jiraporn Mongkoldee, whose shot was expertly saved by Indian goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu. Mongkoldee had another go just two minutes later, this time from distance, but her strike cannoned off the woodwork. India was on the ropes but not broken. They showed remarkable character and discipline, weathering the storm and slowly finding their rhythm before they struck against the play. In the 28th minute, Anju Tamang initiated a swift move down the right before teeing up Basfore near the edge of the box. With time and space, the midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that screamed into the net, sending the Indian dugout into raptures, the AIFF release added. Just three minutes later, India nearly doubled their lead. A well-constructed move down both flanks culminated in a cross into the box, which fell kindly for Pyari Xaxa after a defensive mishap. But the forward's effort was smothered by Thailand goalkeeper Tiffany Sornpao. Stung by the reverse, Thailand responded before the break. Mongkoldee attempted a clever lob from distance, spotting Panthoi off her line, but the keeper recovered just in time to claim the ball. The second half couldn't have started worse for India. Just two minutes after the restart, Thai fullback Chatchawan Rodthong surged down the left and whipped in a teasing cross. It was meant for striker Saowalak Pengngam, who missed her connection, but the ball's curl wrong-footed Panthoi and nestled into the far corner for a fortunate equaliser as India conceded their first goal of the qualifiers. With the momentum shifting, Thailand pressed on. In the 56th minute, Ploychompoo Somnuek floated a pinpoint ball into the box for substitute Karnjanathat Phomsri, whose ferocious effort smashed the woodwork--Thailand's second of the night. Luck, however, was not on their side. India regrouped and stayed calm. And when the chance came, they seized it. In the 74th minute, Nirmala Devi swung in a dangerous corner from the left. The ball eluded the Thai defenders and reached Shilky Devi Hemam at the far post, who squared it brilliantly for an unmarked Basfore. With nerves of steel, she nodded the ball past Sornpao from close range to restore India's lead. Thailand tried desperately to respond, but India dug deep, defended as a unit, and held their shape. The crowd grew restless, the clock ticked down, and the belief in the Indian camp swelled. When the whistle blew, history was made. The Blue Tigresses--once underdogs, now the protagonists of the group--had qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 on merit. The win also ended Thailand's long-standing Asian Cup qualification streak and gave India their first win against them. The significance wasn't lost on anyone. For the players and coaches, it was a dream years in the making. And now, with their eyes on the road to Australia, a bigger dream awaits--a maiden FIFA Women's World Cup qualification in 2027. (ANI)
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
a day ago
- First Post
Why India's qualification for 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup is historic
Indian women's football team made history by qualifying for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup on merit for the first time. A 2-1 win over Thailand in Chiang Mai sealed a landmark achievement for the Blue Tigresses. read more India defeated Thailand 2-1 to book their place in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Australia. It was a moment of pure joy and a historic one as tears rolled down and celebrations erupted after the final whistle blew at the stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on 5 July. The Indian women's football team has qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time ever on merit. In previous appearances in 2003 and 2022, India either got in directly or hosted the event. However, the Blue Tigresses have done it this time and there were no shortcuts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The star of the night was Sangita Basfore, who scored both goals to lead India to victory in a match that was basically a winner-takes-all clash. Thailand, playing at home and ranked 24 places above India in the FIFA rankings, were favourites. But the Indian girls had other plans. More from Football Also Read: Why this win matters so much This win wasn't a regular victory, just about three points. It meant India topped Group B of the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers with 12 points from 4 games. It also ended Thailand's long-standing streak of qualifying for every Asian Cup since 2001. India's road to this point had already seen some big wins, including a 13-0 victory against Mongolia, a 4-0 victory against Timor-Leste, and a 5-0 victory against Iraq. However, Thailand was the real test given their current standing on the global stage in the women's game, and India passed with flying colours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read: This is a huge moment for Indian women's football. After heartbreak in 2022, when they had to withdraw due to COVID-19 despite being hosts, the team has finally earned their place through performance. Coach Crispin Chhetri and his squad can now proudly say they belong among Asia's best. With the 2026 AFC Asian Cup qualification secured, the next big goal will be the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027. India will look to qualify for the mega event as well.
