11-9-2023 (BANGKOK) Southeast Asian rivals Thailand and Malaysia are set to vie for the top spot in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers after both nations secured convincing Group H victories in Chonburi on Saturday.
Thailand displayed their prowess with a commanding 3-0 win over Bangladesh, while Malaysia showcased their class in a resounding 4-0 triumph over the Philippines. As a result, both countries are level on six points after two matches, with Thailand currently leading the group on goal difference ahead of their pivotal showdown on Tuesday.
Thailand encountered early resistance but finally made their mark in the 44th minute when Purachet Thodsanid broke the deadlock. Energized by this breakthrough, Thailand added another goal in the closing stages of the first half, with Purachet capitalizing on a deflection off a Bangladesh defender.
Airfan Doloh, Thailand’s captain, then sealed the game with an 87th-minute effort, putting it beyond Bangladesh’s reach.
Thailand’s U23 coach, Issara Sritaro, commented on the performance, saying, “We have some injured players, so we tried to play it safe, but the score that came out is very good. In the first half, the opponents played well defensively. We told our players to be patient and keep attacking until we get ahead. We played a short passing game after the break and controlled the game. We want to win the match with Malaysia because we are targeting the top spot in the group standings. We’ll have to send in the best players.”
On Tuesday, the Philippines will face Bangladesh at 5:30 pm, while Thailand will take on Malaysia at 8:30 pm. The outcome of these matches will determine the group’s victor and the teams that advance to the final stage of the competition.
Ultimately, the group winners, along with the four best second-placed teams across all groups, will constitute the final 16 teams in the sixth edition of the tournament, set to take place from April 15 to May 3, 2024, with Qatar as the host nation.
