Thailand qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final round after thrashing Iran 5-1 in their third and final qualifying match of Group B at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday.
The Thais maintained their hundred percent record, winning all the three encounters to comfortably qualify for next year’s final round, the venue and schedule of which is yet to be decided.
The result of this match meant that the last match of the group between Bangladesh and the Philippines turned into an academic affair.
Nisa Romyen, the highest goal-scorer in the qualifying round, snatched her second hat-trick while Anootsara Maijarern and Naphat Seesraum also joined her in the goal-fest with one goal apiece.
Courtesy of the three goals, Nisa’s tally of the qualification campaign rose to eight following her winner against the Philippines and four against hosts Bangladesh.
Nisa put her team ahead in the first minute after the restart. She scored with a back-header from a corner kick.
Nisa doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a solo effort as she dodged past two defenders before putting the ball into the net past the Iranian goalkeeper.
Nisa almost grabbed the hat-trick two minutes later but her shot from the edge of the box was saved by the Iranian custodian.
Thailand’s third goal duly arrived in the 70th minute when Anootsara Maijarern placed the ball into an open net after Nisa’s initial attempt was blocked by the Iranian goalie.
Naphat Seesraum registered her team’s fourth goal in the 74th minute with a placing shot from the outside of the box.
Iran reduced the difference in the 79th minute when Sara Ghomi placed the ball from a goalmouth melee.
Nisa completed her hat-trick in the 85th minute with a nod from the goalmouth.
Thailand coach Piyakul Kawnamkang was visibly elated with his charges after securing qualification.
‘This tournament was really tough as only the winner of the group is supposed to qualify for the next round and we proved our potential by winning all three matches,’ said Piyakul.
‘I know it’s even tougher in the next round but we will try our best to do better there,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Iran coach Helena Costa refused to be downbeat and was looking towards the future with optimism.
‘We were unable to control our emotions after conceding the first goal and perhaps we should not have conceded consecutive goals in a very short time. We are going to start preparing ourselves for the future and do better in the next tournaments,’ said Helena.
-With New Age input
