[UPDATED] Soca Warriors lose 2-1 in King's Cup third-place playoff

TRINIDAD and Tobago men’s senior football team suffered a 2-1 defeat to host nation Thailand in the third-place match of the King's Cup 2022 at the Chiang Mai Stadium before 12,500 fans, on Sunday.

Tajikistan captured the cup with a 3-0 win via penalties over Malaysia in the final at the same venue later in the day.

Finnish-based defender Kareem Moses headed home TT's equaliser in the 61st minute from a Kevin Molino corner. Moments earlier, Molino, after entering the match at halftime had his effort pushed out for a corner.

Thailand, who lost 5-3 on penalties to Malaysia on Thursday, had TT on the back foot for long periods in the early stages of the match. But they were gifted their opening goal in the 21st minute when Channarong Promsrikaew punished goalkeeper Marvin Phillip for a dreadful error when he sent a clearance straight to the Thai player who made no mistake from close range.

As TT settled and began to enjoy a bit more of the ball, they forced the hosts to defend a couple of dangerous attacking plays.

Reon Moore headed a Levi Garcia delivery just over bar from near the six-yard box and the Guatemalan-based forward also had another effort before the break which the Thailand goalkeeper Kittipong Phuthawchueak took care of.

Most of the second half was played under heavy rainfall and TT went in search of a go-ahead goal. Ajani Fortune, Molino and Jesse Williams were introduced into the play with John-Paul Rochford also appearing along with defender Anthony Herbert. But it wasn't to be for TT with the hosts instead grabbing the go-ahead goal through Supachok Sarachart in the 72nd minute.

TT didn't hang their heads and were unlucky not to snatch a late equaliser with Molino going close at the end. The defeat was yet another loss to Thailand by a one-goal margin for TT, after losing 3-2 in 2004 and 1-0 in 2018.

TT will now look to re-group for preparations ahead of the March Concacaf Nations League matches away to the Bahamas on March 24 and at home to Nicaragua on March 27.

The local-based contingent will return to Trinidad on Wednesday with some of the overseas-based pros returning to their respective destinations on Monday.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

TRINIDAD and Tobago men’s senior football team finished fourth in the King’s Cup after losing 2-1 to host country Thailand in the third-place playoff at the Chiang Mai Stadium, on Sunday.

Thailand opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Channarong Promsrikaew.

TT were fortunate to draw level as Kritsada Kaman scored an own goal in the 61st minute.

Thailand did not take long to regain the lead as Supachok Sarachat converted in the 72nd minute which proved to be the winning goal.

TT ended the King’s Cup winless after falling 2-1 to Tajikistan in the semifinals, on Thursday.