Thailand through with perfect record
Three-time champions Thailand marched into the semifinals of the Asean Football Championship with a perfect record following a comfortable 3-1 victory over Vietnam in their final Group A match at Rajamangala National stadium yesterday.
A Kirati Keawsombat brace and a late own goal helped the Thai team made it three wins out of three to secure the top spot despite fielding the under-strength side and having to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men following Arthit Sunthornphit’s dismissal.
The Thai side will face the Group B runners-up in the two-legged semifinals, with the identity of the likely opponents unclear since all four teams in the section including defending champions Malaysia are still in contention for qualification.
The Thais will play away first on December 9 before hosting the return leg four days later.
Unfancied Philippines followed the Thais into the next round after they beat Myanmar 2-0 to clinch the runners-up spot with six points from three matches.
