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.