The Blue Tigers succumbed to a 2-0 loss to the War Elephants on Wednesday.
India senior men’s football team will be ruing missed chances after a frustrating 2-0 loss against Thailand following their friendly at the Thammasat Stadium, Thailand, on Wednesday (June 4, 2025). The War Elephants took the lead in the 8th minute through Benjamin Davis, before Poramet doubled the lead 14 minutes after the break with a screamer.
The death blow in Blue Tigers’ preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers came following Davis setting up Poramet, who executed a wicked curling finish past a helpless Vishal Kaith, who could just stand and watch. The win ends Thailand’s long wait for revenge for their 2019 loss against the Blue Tigers following a commanding win.
Thailand (By: Anuj T)
Saranon Anuin- 7.5
The Thai keeper had a good game between the sticks and made crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
Santiphap Channgom- 7
Channgom nullified the influence of Liston Colaco time and again, while disrupting his time to get the ball under control.
Songwut Kraikruan- 6.5
Kraikruan had a comfortable evening at the back with Channgom as his partner. While he only played for 45 minutes, he was crucial in nullifying danger.
Marco Ballini- 6
Had nervy moments at the back against India but kept his head. While he was beaten at times, he ensured to get back and defend.
Chanon Tamma- 6.5
While he was substituted in the 63rd minute, Tamma had a good outing at left back for Thailand. A good outing.
Benjamin Davis- 8
Davis was the best player on the pitch by a country mile. He looked threatening when the ball came to him and gave them a vital early lead in the 8th minute. Also recorded an assist which led to a superb goal for Poramet.
Phitiwat Sukhjitthammakul- 6.5
A solid game in the middle of the park, but had his share of troubles in limiting chances. He made key tackles and applied the pressure on Indian players.
Kakana Khamyok- 6
He completed 28 of his 32 successful passes while maintaing a 88 per cent passing accuracy. A good game against the Blue Tigers.
Korawich Tasa- 7
The creative spark for the opening goal for Thailand against India. Tasa also played 57 minutes before being taken off.
Poramet Arjvirai- 7.5
A game to remember for Poramet as he sealed things up for Thailand with his thunderous strike in the 59th minute. A memorable game for Poramet as he helped the War Elephants earn a huge morale boosting result against India.
Channarong Promsrikaew- 6
He had 41 touches in the game while having an 85 per cent passing accuracy. Channarong wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet but worked tirelessly in attack for Thailand.
Substitutions:
Elias Dolah- 6.5
Dolah came on in the second half and didn’t put a foot wrong. He was an able replacement for Kraikuran after the half-time break.
Jaroensak Wonggorn- 6.5
Replacing Tasa in the 57th minute, Wonggorn played well and rarely made any errors. A solid performance on the wings.
Airfan Doloh- 6
Came in the 63rd minute replacing Tamma. Doloh was good and ensured his team kept the clean sheet.
Worachit Kanitsribumphen- 6
Replacing Benjamin Davis, it was always a tall order to follow his performance. The midfielder was solid and kept the ball moving for Thailand, frustrating India.
Shinnaphat Leeaoh- N/A
Peeradol Chamratsamee- N/A
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India (by Uttiyo Sarkar)
Vishal Kaith – 5.5
Kaith couldn’t really do much about either of the two goals because of how powerfully they were hit. He was a bit shaky with his passing again, but made a few decent saves.
Asish Rai – 5.5
Rai was a decent figure going forward, creating a few nice chances with his accurate delivery. He was caught out of position and outwitted for Thailand’s second goal, but made a few nice clearances.
Anwar Ali – 7.5
Ali was arguably India’s best defender on the night. He was impressive with his positioning, often getting in the right areas to stop Thailand’s attacks. Made three tackles and won six duels in an impressive outing. Made a huge goal-saving clearance in the second half.
Sandesh Jhingan – 5.5
Jhingan was caught in an awkward position for Thailand’s opener, not being able to close down Davies well enough. He made a number of key clearances, but was often goaded into moving out of position to create gpas in the backline.
Abhishek Singh – 7.5
Abhishek was quite a proactive figure in his international debut for India. He won quite a few nice duels, but his inexperience caused him to be dribbled past on occasions too. Had a powerful shot attempt go wide in the first half.
Ayush Chhetri – 4.5
Chhetri struggled to hold his own in the midfield, or protect his backline as they wanted. He made a few nice possession recoveries, but failed to close the midfield gaps or stop Thailand’s counter-attacks.
Lalengmawia Ralte – 5.5
The Mohun Bagan midfielder was sharp in moving the ball forward, making a few nice passes. But he struggled defensively, losing multiple duels and failing to stop Thailand’s flow through central areas.
Manvir Singh – 5
Manvir was focused more on his defensive work than going forward. Couldn’t really create any major chances, but helped out defensively by winning key duels.
Liston Colaco – 6.5
It was a topsy-turvy outing for the Mohun Bagan winger. He was a threat with his movement, dribbling into key areas on quite a few occasions. Created some nice chances with his crosses, but missed a huge one-v-one chance in the first half.
Ashique Kuruniyan – 6.5
In his first start after a long period for India, Kuruniyan was quite a proactive figure for the Blue Tigers. He linked up really well with his teammates, creating a few impressive chances with his innovative passes. Struggled to test the opposition goal, although.
Sunil Chhetri – 6.5
Sunil Chhetri was again India’s most proactive attacker going forward. Had a header saved well in the first half and set up a big chance for Liston, which he missed. Nearly won a penalty in the second half and linked up nicely with his teammates.
Substitutes:
Suresh Singh – 6
Suresh helped to bring a bit more steel and tenacity to the midfield. He won quite a few duels and did a decent job with the forward passes.
Lallianzuala Chhangte – 5.5
Chhangte had a huge chance after coming on, being played through on goal. But he failed to score past the goalkeeper from close range.
Nikhil Prabhu – 6
Added some much-needed aggressiveness in the midfield, helping his side win more battles well towards the end.
Brandon Fernandes – N/R
Fernandes created a late chance in the game, but saw his cross headed over by Anwar.
Suhail Bhat – 6
Bhat made his international debut for India and almost got in on the action immediately. He was sent through on goal after coming on, but his shot was well wide.
Boris Singh – N/R
Added more tenacity and energy on the right, winning a few duels pretty well.
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