Thailand captured its second straight win with a comprehensive conquest of feisty Malaysia, 4-0, to boost its semifinals aspirations in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship, Sunday evening at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.
The win put the Chaba Kaew at 10 points and in second place in the Group on three wins and a draw, below the host and semifinals-bound Philippines’ 12 points. The Australian U-23 squad is just three points below Thailand with seven points in the race to the other semifinal berth.
Thailand started on the right foot, getting its offensive rhythm well against a compact Malaysian defense. After getting denied a few sniffs at the goal, the Thais eventually bagged its well-deserved go-ahead at the 22nd minute.
Ploychompoo Somneuk converted on a pass inside the box to put the blue shirts on the board against Malaysian goalkeeper Nurul Azurin Mazlan.
The Malaysians had a few chances on the attack, but could not make an enterprising chance at an equalizer as the score stood into the break.
The four-time champions Thailand resumed their aggressiveness at the start of the second period and after a few incisive runs to the Malaysian half, it finally bagged the second goal of the night. In the 55th minute, Pattaranan Aupachai received the ball from the midfield, and with momentum on the run, she blasted the ball into the net.
With momentum still on its hand even late into the match, Thailand found its insurance goals. U-Raiporn Yongkul was at the right place at the right time on converting the set-piece at the 74th, while substitute Nutwadee Pram Nak added the finishing touch at the 86th minute.
Both squads take their final assignments on July 12 at 7 p.m.
Thailand (3-1-0, 9 pts.) will battle for a place in the last four when they take on the unscathed Philippines (4-0-0, 12 pts.) at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. On the other hand, Malaysia (0-2-2, 2 pts.) will look to play the spoiler role against Australia U-23 (2-1-1, 7 pts.) at the City of Imus Grandstand in Cavite.
Thailand XI – Sodcheun (GK), Saekhun, Utchai, Somneuk, Pansoyuk (C), Kaetkaew, Pengngam, Yongkul, Onsamai, Aupachai, Sontisawat
Malaysia XI – Mazlan (GK), Soberi, Jumilis, Mailu, Kaur (C), Azmi, Justine, Lee, Saidin, Abidin, Nordin
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Catch the entire 2022 AFF Women’s Championship live on SMART Sports and Puso Pilipinas from July 4-18.
