India go down 0-1 to Thailand in international friendly

BANGKOK - The Indian football team suffered a 0-1 loss against Thailand in an international friendly played at the Yamaha Stadium here Saturday.

Thailand’s experienced striker Sarayoot Chaikumdee scored the only goal of the match in the 73rd minute.

Thailand, coached by Manchester United legend and former England captain Bryan Robson, began aggressively and made numerous inroads into India’s citadel. Thailand almost scored in the fourth minute, but forward Teerasil Danda’s shot hit the cross bar.

Indian defence showed a great composure in front of the dangerous looking Thailand and kept them at bay in the first half.

India came close in the 22nd minute with Surkumar Singh’s right footer finding Thai goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool’s gloves.

Kansas City Wizards and India star striker, Sunil Chettri hit the woodwork at the stroke of half time off Steven Dias’s free-kick as both the teams went for the breather after a goalless first half.

Debutant striker Mohammed Rafi saw his shot blocked in the 68th minute.

India next play Thailand in the return leg in Delhi Wednesday at the Ambedkar Stadium.