India U-16 go down against Thailand U-16 once again

The Indian U-16 national team yet again succumbed to late goals as they went down 2-1 against Thailand U-16 side at the Thupatemi Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand, on Friday.

It was a similar result to the game against the same opponents earlier this month (on July 5) when Thailand scored twice in the last two minutes to down India 3-1 in the four-nation tournament at Wei Nan City in China,

India were leading courtesy of Vikram Pratap Singh's first half (18') goal but it was the Thai juniors who emerged triumphant once again riding on second-half goals by Auschariya Sangtubtim (68') and Apidet Janngam (89').

Starting with the same first XI as in the 2-2 draw against Bangkok Glass U-17 side on Tuesday, the India Colts started offensively and took the lead in the 18th minute. Vikram, who received Givson Singh Moirangthem's pass from the midfield, broke free from his marker and placed the ball past the rival goalkeeper.

With a slender lead in their kitty, the visiting outfit began dominating the proceedings and created a half chance when Vikram decided to shoot from Shabas Ahammed Moothedath's cross in the 28th minute but it was easily saved by the Thai custodian.

After failing to create notable opportunities in the first half, Thailand looked much more threatening in the second half. Lalbiakhlua Jongte had to pull off a save in the 51st minute to maintain India's lead. However, in the 68th minute, the home side got back into the game as Sangtubtim nodded in from a corner.

Despite the Indians pushing hard to regain their lead, the Thai goalkeeper stood in their way. Efforts by Givson and Gurkirat Singh were kept out and subtitute Rohit Danu too shot over the target from close range.

It was then Janngam who took advantage of a comedy of errors by the Indian defence to unleash a left-footer from the left side in the 89th minute. Jongte had thwarted the effort but the Thai forward was at hand to slot home the rebound.

The Indian U-16 contingent will now travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to compete against Malaysian U-16 national team in two friendly games, the first of which will be played on 23 July 2018.

India U-16's starting lineup: Lalbiakhlua Jongte (GK), Shabas Ahammed Moothedath, Gurkirat Singh, Harpreet Singh, Moirangthem Thoiba Singh, Ricky John Shabong, Givson Singh Moirangthem, Bekey Oram, Vikram Pratap Singh (C), Ridge Melvin DeMello, Bhuvnesh Shindre.