TheSportsCampus

A goal from star striker Sarayoot Chikamdee in the 73rd minute was enough for Thailand, as India fell to a 1-0 loss away from home in Bangkok, in their first international game after a two-month training camp in Portugal.

Thailand have a great record at home so far in Bryan Robson's tenure, and they looked set to continue that trend in the early stages of the match, Teerasil Dangda hitting the frame of the goal in the 4th minute while Chikamdee drew a fine save from Indian custodian Subrata Pal in the 20th minute, after a spell of Thai dominance that saw them earn a succession of corners. India failed to create any clear-cut chances and were left to speculative efforts - right-back Surkumar Singh testing Thai keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakoo from range. The stroke of half-time saw India fashion a golden chance from a Steven Dias free-kick, but striker Sunil Chettri failed to capitalize, hitting the crossbar.

A lack of creative nous saw Indian manager Bob Houghton make a substitution after the hour mark, as Clifford Miranda came on for Dias - switching flanks with Anthony Periera. Thailand though were still the better side, and capitalized in the 73rd minute, Chikamdee doing well to shoot past Subrata Pal and put the ‘War Elephants' in the lead. Houghton responded to going behind by replacing skipper Climax Lawrence and fellow central midfielder N P Pradeep with Renedy Singh and Mehrajuddin Wadoo. It made little effect, as Chettri and new strike partner Mohammed Rafi were denied any service.

Thailand held on for the victory, as there were no late heroics from the Indian side. India will look to make amends on Wednesday, September 8th when Thailand visit Delhi's Ambedkar Stadium.