New Delhi

On January 6, 2019, India kicked off its campaign in the continental competition with a 4-1 drubbing of Thailand, with Thapa also getting on the scoresheet. "I wouldn't even trade the goal for the Kohinoor diamond! It's so precious for me and it'll always be there at the top of the ladder," said Thapa on Monday, exactly a year after that memorable win.

Describing the goal, he added, "When Udanta (Singh) sprinted from the middle, I made a supporting run towards the right. I had a feeling that the goalkeeper would come out of his position. Even when the chip went in, I could not believe myself." India, though, did not qualify for the knockout stages after failing to eke out a win in its remaining two matches.

Ashique Kuruniyan was a livewire in attack throughout the Thailand game. Recollecting the days leading up to the opener, Ashique said, "Two days before the match, the then coach (Stephen Constantine) told me that I would start alongside Sunil Chhetri upfront. Thailand’s right-back was a fast guy and the manager wanted me to disrupt him. I was in awe when we reached the stadium."

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