Bangkok, Jul 15 (IANS): India went down 0-2 to Thailand A in their first match of the Yamaha ASEAN Cup under-13 football tournament at the Yamaha stadium here Friday.

They now play Vietnam in an early morning match Saturday to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

The Indian boys played their hearts out but were no match for the sturdy Thai side. With more than half of their players arriving this morning, the fatigue was apparent among the Indian players and their brittle defence only made things difficult.

For the hosts, Rattanan Ramun opened the account in the first eight minutes of the match and Tanapat Khathippattee stretched the lead within six minutes.

India showed better coordination in the second half but lacked a proper finish.

With Thailand A beating Vietnam 4-1 later in the day, India still have a chance.

"It was important for us that Thailand A beats Vietnam as that now gives us a chance to finish top two in our group and qualify for the final round. We have always been ranked higher against Vietnam and I am hopeful the boys will come on the top tomorrow," said Arnab Bhattacharjee, who is filling in India's coach's role in absence of Mrityunjay Hazra.

"Their coach (Hazra) couldn't reach due to last minute clearance issues. The rest of the boys reached only this morning and were understandably tired. So, I am not complaining," said Arnab.

"I am hopeful of a better showing tomorrow," he added.

In the other matches, Thailand B beat Malaysia 2-0 before drawing goalless with Indonesia in the last match of the day.