Thailand all but confirmed their final round berth in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after pipping the Philippines 1-0 in both the sides’ second qualifier of Group B at the
Bangabandhu National Stadium on Thursday.
Thai forward Nisa Romyen, who thumped four goals past Bangladesh in the first match, struck the deciding goal to fire Thailand to the top of the table with six points.
A draw against Iran in their final game will ensure Thailand of a place in the eight-team final round which is scheduled to be held sometime next year.
The table-toppers of four qualifying groups will join the four automatic qualifiers – Australia, South Korea, China and Japan.
Both the teams came to the game on the back of a morale-boosting win in their first match but Thailand were the better side and deservedly took the lead in the 37th minute after pressing hard from the beginning.
On the other hand, the Filipinos failed to repeat their impressive first-match display against the Thais.
Thailand went ahead when Nisa was provided a through pass from Anootsara Maijareen and she calmly placed the ball past the onrushing Philippines goal-keeper Maria De La Cruz.
Three minutes after resumption, Thailand threatened to double their lead through a Wilaiporn Boothduang free-kick but Philippines custodian La Cruz punched the ball to the inside edge of the crosspiece which was then safely positioned at the feet of the Filipino defenders.
The Philippines mounted some pressure in the latter stages of the game and in the 65th minute, Jesse Anne Shugg missed the chance to equalise when she failed to connect from a Heather Cook cross at the top of the six-yard box.
In the 85th minute, Thai goalie Waraporn Boonsing dived forward to foil another attack of Anne Shugg to seal three crucial points for her side.
Thailand coach Piyakul Kawnamkang affirmed her satisfaction with the performance of his charges.
‘It was a difficult match for us but my girls gave their hundred percent. The Philippines are a good team and their strength was good. They have some USA-based players who play good football,’ said Piyakul in the post-match press conference.
Philippines coach Ernie Nierras on the other hand also praised his unit for a brave performance.
‘The result went against us but the players played better football [than Thailand] and I was happy with their performance. Especially in the second half, we played better but could not manage a goal. Now we have to cheer Iran and pray that they beat Thailand on Saturday,’ said Ernie.
-With New Age input
