FA hunt flare-happy fans ahead of final

Chasing their first title since 2002, which would put them level with Singapore as the most successful country in the biennial tournament with four wins, the Thais continued their swashbuckling run by dismantling the Philippines at a packed Rajamangala National Stadium on Wednesday.

After the first leg played on artificial turf in Manila ended in goalless stalemate, the Thais didn’t have to wait long for a goal with diminutive midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin firing them ahead six minutes into the match.

Chanathip’s strike repaid the faith of coach Kiatisak Senamuang, who assigned the BEC Tero Sasana player to spearhead the attack in the absence of strikers Kirati Kiewsombat (injured) and Adisak Kraison (suspended).

Despite the early lead, Kiatisak’s men couldn’t afford to take their foot off the pedal, given that a score draw would send the Filipinos through on the away-goal rule. However, Kroekrit Thawikan settled the home side’s nerves by doubling the advantage just before the hour mark then completing his brace to clinch Thailand’s final berth with a convincing 3-0 aggregate win.

A sour note on an otherwise memorable night for the Thais came when a group of fans lit flares during the game, leaving the Thai FA facing punishment from the Asean Football Federation.

“The AFF will contact us about the sanction for the flares lit by the fans, which is likely to be a fine,” said Thai FA secretary general Worawut Thongsringam, adding that the FA was trying to identify those responsible for the incident.

Worawut vowed extra vigilance for the first leg of the final, which will be played in Thailand. 

“For the game on December 17, we will redouble efforts and keep a close eye on this group of fans. We’re now trying to find these troublemakers via evidence from the social media so that we can ban them from the stadium.”