India suffered a 2-3 defeat to Thailand in their 2016 FIFA U-17 Asian Cup qualifier.

India put up a spirited fight but lost 2-3 to Thailand in a nail-biting 2025 Under-17 Asian Cup qualifier here on Sunday. The defeat means India will have to wait for the results of the other group stage games before they know their fate in terms of progressing to the next round. India needed just a draw to finish in the top five and advance to the next round.

It was clear from the start that the Blue Colts would face a tough test, unlike their previous two matches against Brunei Darussalam and Turkmenistan. The Indian defense and goalkeepers were tested more often in the first quarter of this game than in the previous two combined. Be that as it may, they survived.

The game itself swung from one end to the other. The restless nature favored Thailand, who was supported by the crowd.

In the 34th minute the goal was scored on time. First at M.D. Arbache was fouled in the penalty area while playing with the ball in the air. From the ensuing penalty, captain Ngamgokhou Mate made no mistake, placing the ball into the top corner past the diving Supakorn Phunphol to give India the lead.

However, this did not last long. Thailand responded with speed within two minutes. Driving in from the left, Phuriphon Fotong exchanged passes at the top of the box before pulling the trigger from a narrow angle. The shot deflected and came from the near post straight into the path of Sivakorn Ponsan, who fired into the empty net from a few yards out.

Six minutes later the pendulum swung again and it was the best choice. A series of heading clearances led to Rishi Singh picking up the ball near the corner flag and crossing into the penalty area. The ball came off the Thai defender’s head and flew towards the top of the penalty area. Vishal Yadav, who was there, took the volley and shot accurately and hard, leaving no chance for the Thai goalkeeper to save the ball.

Just on the hour mark, Thailand equalized for the second time as Sivakorn Ponsan scored again with a perfect cross from inside the six-yard box.

With both sets of players tired in the wet conditions, mistimed tackles soon became the norm, with players from both sides falling frequently.

With four minutes left, Thailand scored the decisive goal when Chaiwat Ngoenma intercepted a long ball from behind and expertly finished off a volley. As time went on, India became increasingly desperate to level the series, but this did not happen as Thailand fought hard to win.