Thailand Under-23 team set their semi-final date with hosts Bangladesh after ousting tournament favourites Bahrain Under-23 team with a 3-0 in their final group match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Tuesday. With the win, Thailand finished as the Group B champions by winning their both matches and made sure that group’s other team Singapore also qualified for the knock-out stage as runners-up thanks to their better goal difference than Bahrain.
Thailand started their Group B campaign with a 3-2 win over Singapore while the match between Bahrain and Singapore ended in a stalemate.
Thailand will now take on the Group A runners-up Bangladesh in the second semi-final on February 6 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Group A champions Malaysia will play Group B runners-up Singapore in the other semi-final on February 5 in Sylhet.
Despite the thumping victory, Thailand coach Choktavee Phomrat thinks that his side needs to improve in certain areas of their game when they take on the hosts Bangladesh.
Thailand took the lead in the 35th minute when Bahrain midfielder Abdulla Ali headed the ball into his own net while trying to clear a swerving cross.
Thai skipper Parmpak Pakorn doubled the lead in the 52nd minute before Pimkoon Jaturong slotted home the third four minutes later.
-With New Age input
