AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Indian Women went down 0-10 to a superior Thailand side in their third Group A match of the Women’s Football Competition in the Incheon Asian Games on Sunday (September 21). Thailand led eight-nil at the interval.

Four goals each from Captain Sung Ngoen Kanjana and midfielder Boothduang Wilaiporn, and one each from substitutes Sornsai Pitasamai and Seesraum Naphat sealed the issue for Thailand in an one-sided encounter. Such was Thailand’s domination that they surged into a 2-0 lead within eight minutes of the match and breezed to a 6-0 lead by the half hour mark.

India felt the absence of regular Captain Bembem Devi in the midfield as their fleet footed counterparts got behind the back four more often than not. Stand in captain Romi Devi and her defensive partners did try to shut it down but in vain.

However, the Indian Women looked much better in the second period after conceding one early, and their efforts bore fruit when striker Bala Devi headed Kamala Devi’s cross from the inside the box, went wide in the 78^th minute. That was the closest India came.

Kamala picked out Bala once again with the match nearing final whistle but the tall Manipuri was closed down well by two defenders.

Goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan matched the efforts up at the other end, saving twice in split seconds to deny Naphat from the penalty spot but the substitute striker drilled low past the Delhi keeper in her third attempt to close the match on 10-0.