Three players who stood out for Indian Football Team against Thailand

Indian Football Team will now go on to face Hong Kong on June 10.

Despite suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Thailand in their international friendly, the scoreline did not fully reflect the individual efforts of India senior men’s football team accurately. Some notable Indian players stepped up their games on the night, but just weren’t able to apply the finishing touch.

While the result left much to be desired ahead of the crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Hong Kong, there were encouraging performances that provided a glimmer of hope for head coach Manolo Marquez and his staff.

Here are the top three Indian players who made their presence felt despite the loss:

3. Liston Colaco

Although guilty of spurning one or two golden chances, Liston Colaco was arguably India’s most lively attacker throughout the game. Operating from the left flank, he was relentless with his movement, showed confidence on the ball, and regularly tried to stretch the Thai defence.

The numbers support his influence on the game as he completed 21 of his 26 passes with 81% accuracy rate, along with five shots, two of which were on target. His 63 touches in the match were among the highest for any Indian forward, indicating his willingness to get involved in build-up play and carry the ball forward.

Liston’s combination of pace, dribbling, and attacking intent was one of the few bright spots in India’s otherwise blunt frontline. Though he needs to be more clinical in the final third, his performance showed that his value as an attacking option going forward.

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2. Anwar Ali

A game where India often found themselves on the back foot, Anwar Ali held the defence together with maturity and composure. The centre-back was tasked with dealing with Thailand’s intelligent attacking patterns, and he responded with a solid all-around display.

Anwar won all three of his tackles, made one clearance, and produced two key interceptions, often stepping in to break up Thai build-up play at critical moments. What stood out most, however, was his composure on the ball as he completed 44 out of his 51 passes, registering an 86% passing accuracy, and helping initiate play from the back under pressure.

Ali’s calm demeanor and efficient distribution was a crucial aspect of India’s structure. In a game where midfield control was lacking, his ball-playing skills helped relieve pressure and move India forward.

1. Tekcham Abhishek Singh

Making just his second senior appearance, Tekcham Abhishek Singh delivered a mature and composed performance that belied his lack of international experience. Positioned in the backline at left-back, he showed excellent awareness, decision-making, and technical skill throughout the 90 minutes.

Abhishek won one out of his two aerial duels, while making one clearance and two vital interceptions, and completing 31 out of 33 passes at an astonishing 94% passing accuracy. His calmness in possession and willingness to play progressive balls underlined his potential as a long-term solution in India’s defensive line.

The youngster showed tactical discipline, positional awareness, and communication, traits often seen in far more experienced defenders. A match where Thailand threatened via quick counters and wave after wave of attacks, Abhishek’s poise stood out, earning him the top spot among India’s standout performers.

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