Thailand start their title defence in style

The rise of Thai women’s football has been a sight to behold. Traditionally, the country is obsessed with the men’s game, especially European football in the shape of English Premier League. Thais, however, relished the chance given to the national women’s team with the first ever appearance at the World Cup finals in Canada last year.

Since then, there has been a huge interest in Thai women’s team and people expected them to come good at the regional championship.

Thailand kicked off the title defence against the Philippines. They had the better of the chances in the opening stages, with the Filipinos having to wait 16 minutes for a clear sight at the goal. A long-range effort cannoned off the crossbar and caused a scramble in the Thai defence, but they were able to emerge unscathed. 

Four minutes later, Thailand opened the scoring through a free kick from Silawan Intamee. It seemed that she would attempt to cross the ball but the delivery caught the Philippines goalkeeper by surprise and crept in at the far post. 

Forward Pitsamai Sornsai missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 28th minute but she quickly redeemed herself by putting the ball into the back of the net on the half hour mark. 

Thailand looked keen to add to their two-goal advantage in the second half, getting their third goal five minutes after the break through Kanjana Sungngoen, who was one of the standout performers of the match. Their fourth came in the 67th minute, as Silawan Intamee turned provider to set up Rattikan Thongsombut with an exquisite through pass.  

Singapore provide the next opposition for the side, with their match set to take place tomorrow. Thailand’s convincing performance has given confidence to many fans in the country, as they fully expect their women’s team to win their third AFF Championship and become the most successful side in the history of the competition.