India Falls to Thailand in AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Opener

Synopsis

In their first match of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025, India faced a 0-3 defeat against Thailand. Despite a strong start, India could not maintain their momentum against the hosts, who capitalized on their experience to secure a convincing victory.

Key Takeaways

India's first match in the Beach Soccer Asian Cup since 2007.
First period remained goalless, showcasing competitive spirit.
Thailand scored three goals in the second and third periods.
Upcoming match against Kuwait for India.
Top two teams will qualify for the quarter-finals.

Pattaya, March 20 (NationPress) The Indian beach soccer national team faced a tough challenge, suffering a 0-3 loss to the host nation, Thailand, during their inaugural match in Group A of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025 at the Jomtien Beach Arena in Pattaya on Thursday.

Making their first appearance at the Beach Soccer Asian Cup since 2007, India started well, managing to keep the more experienced hosts at bay in a tightly contested opening period, while creating several scoring opportunities. However, as the match progressed, Thailand's superior experience shone through, overpowering India in the second and third periods with goals in the 21st (Jake Stoten), 29th (Ratthaphong Nadee), and 33rd (Komkrit Nanan) minutes. A beach soccer match is structured into three 12-minute periods.

India’s next challenge will be against Kuwait on Saturday, who earlier lost 4-5 to Lebanon in their first match. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals.

The opening period featured exciting end-to-end action, as both teams aggressively pursued the first goal, with overhead kicks and volleys flying in all directions.

For India, Mohammed Akram's free-kick narrowly missed the far post, while Satish Subhash's low shot was skillfully saved by Thailand’s goalkeeper, Suriya Boridet. Suriya later denied Satish again, coming out strong in a one-on-one situation.

Encouraged by a supportive home crowd, Thailand began to build momentum, creating significant scoring chances. Indian goalkeeper Pratik Kankonkar was kept on his toes, making several crucial saves until finally conceding in the 21st minute when Jake Stoten executed a precise overhead strike into the net.

With the momentum shifting in their favor, Thailand ramped up their attack, doubling their lead through Ratthaphong Nadee's well-placed right-footed volley in the 29th minute. The final goal came in the 33rd minute, a standout moment for the hosts as Suriya set up Komkrit Nanan, whose first touch led to an impressive overhead kick into the top corner.