Asian Games 2023: India women’s football team loses to Thailand, exits tournament

India women’s football team was eliminated from the ongoing edition of the Asian Games after a 0-1 loss against Thailand.

The Indian women’s team before kick off against Thailand at the Asian Games 2022. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Indian senior women’s team’s dream of crossing the group stage hurdle in the Asian Games 2023 ended when it went down to Thailand 0-1 at the Wenzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Wenzhou, on Sunday, September 24.

Thongrong Parichat scored the all-important goal in the 51st minute.

Pitted against two of the strongest teams in the competition, Chinese Taipei and Thailand, in Group B, the Blue Tigresses displayed immense combat quality and the ability to take the battle right inside the rival territory but were finally forced to bow against the skills and excellence of the opponent, which proved too compact and experienced to fall for the bait.

As it happened: India vs Thailand women’s football, Asian Games highlights

While Chinese Taipei is ranked 38 in the FIFA ranking, Thailand is not far behind, at 46. India, on the other hand, is way below the ladder at 61.

India’s story against Thailand was no different from what it was against the Chinese Taipei.

While, after initial hesitations, India attacked relentlessly from both flanks to ask questions to Thailand, the opponent took the lead in the 51st minute and managed to hang on to it for the rest of the encounter.

The Indian defence could withstand the pressure well was praiseworthy but some uncertainty, immediately after the half-time, cost India dear.

With Indian defenders out of their positions, Thongrong Parichat was quick to score off a low cross from Pengngam Saowalak – a goal that made all the difference.