CHONBURI (21 August 2019) – In the top of the table clash, hosts Thailand came back twice to beat the Philippines 4-2 in an exhilarating encounter of Group A of the AFF Women’s Championship 2019 here at the Institute of Physical Education.
In the decisive game of the group to ultimately decide the group winner, Thailand’s victory on the day ensured that they are in the driver’s seat with the full nine points from three matches played, going into the final game of the group in two days.
“We were careless when we lost the ball and that led to us conceding the two goals. It was a very close game and it was not easy to create chances against a team at the same level as us,” said Thailand head coach Naruphon Kaenson after the game.
The Thais, featuring a handful of players that had played at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, were the first off the block as they pushed the Philippines on defensive mode.
But it was to be the Philippines who made the scoresheet first in the 11thminute when Quinley Quizada picked up the through ball from Sara Castaneda to slot the ball beyond the reach of Thai custodian Sutthiboon Salita.
The Thai girls did not have to wait too long for the equalizer when the unmarked Chalyarak Jaruwan scored from close as the Philippines defence failed to make the clearance.
The game went into higher gear as Thailand once again took control of the pace and rhythm of the game to press the Philippines back, well into the second half.
But after surviving the onslaught for long periods, a quick counter in the 66thminute saw the Philippines going in front instead when Quinley capitalized on a Thai defensive lapse to score.
The hardworking Nildhamrong Suchawadee was all over the place as she switches from one flank to another and in she provided the cross in the 74thminute for Thailand’s second goal for Thongsombut Rattikan to finish from close range.
The Philippines’ backline became under increasing pressure after that and just a minute later, Thailand went ahead for the first time in the game with Intamee Silawan making good on the cross from Thongsombut.
And right at the end, a failed clearance from the Philippines back four saw the waiting Boothduang Wilaipom to finish from close.
“I am really proud of the girls as we played hard today. It was a fantastic game against the hosts and the players should really be proud of what they have displayed,” said Philippines captain Patrice Impelido.
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