Indian women's football team miss Asian Games knockout stage after defeat to Thailand
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The Indian women's football team's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the Asian Games were dashed as they suffered a 0-1 loss to Thailand.
The crucial Group B match saw India put up a brave fight, but a 52nd-minute goal by Thongrong Parichat secured the win for Thailand.
India had previously lost their Asian Games opener to Chinese Taipei with a score of 1-2. This loss to Thailand further dimmed their prospects, eliminating them from contention for a top-three finish among the second-placed teams, which would have allowed them to advance to the knockout stage along with the top-ranked teams from the five groups.
Despite the outcome, India started the match with composure and appeared to be the stronger side, creating several scoring opportunities. Anju Tamang initiated a promising move for India in the 11th minute with a low cross from the right flank, but it was intercepted.
In the following minutes, Manisha Kalyan, along with Bala Devi and Dangmei Grace, also had opportunities but failed to convert them into goals.
In the 25th minute, Manisha saw her shot blocked by the Thai defense, and a minute later, Grace shot the ball over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Thailand had their own chances through Chetthabutr Kanyanat, but she was thwarted by the combined efforts of Ashalata Devi and goalkeeper Shreya Hooda.
At halftime, the score remained 0-0. However, in the second half, Thailand increased their attacks, eventually breaking through India's defense. Parichat scored a goal from a low cross by Pengngam Saowalak in the 52nd minute.
After conceding the goal, India made efforts to mount a comeback, creating several strong scoring opportunities. Manisha had a couple of chances, but they were denied by the Thai goalkeeper, and she was called offside on a few occasions.
In the closing minutes of the match, Thailand shifted to a possession-based style of play, thwarting India's desperate attempts to find an equalizer.
As a result of this defeat, the Indian women's football team missed out on advancing to the knockout stage of the Asian Games, ending their campaign in disappointment.