The gulf in standards was evident for all to see as top ranked Thailand thrashed hosts Bangladesh 9-0 in the second match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers at the Bangabbandhu National Stadium yesterday.
In an electric atmosphere, with a few hundred Thai supporters banging drums and shouting at the top of their voices, the visiting side thoroughly outplayed the home side. Bangladesh had a lively enough start and to inspire local supporters, who cheered the red clad Bangladesh team. However, it proved to be Thailand who were the cool customers. They took time to settle down, but once they did, there was never any doubt of the 29th ranked side’s superiority. Bangladesh failed to invade their opponents danger zone in the whole match and were kept busy facing a continuous onslaught from their physically fit and speedy opponents. The tactical and technical inferiority was also visible when the Thai players made their way through by good ball-passing or long range efforts. Bangladesh goalie Sabina Khatun was the busiest player on the pitch as she had to go through a torrid time to counter the shoots, headers and taps from Nisa Romyen, Boontan Annonghat, Sunisa Srangtahisong and inspirational skipper Naphat Sesraum. Naphat, much to her dismay, hit the woodwork twice. Bangladesh was gasping for breath by the end. The midfield had collapsed and five goals were conceded in the second half to complete the demolition job. Bangladesh coach Syed Golam Jilani was disappointed, but resolved to look forward. “A nine goal defeat is always painful, but I will try to boost my team for the next match. The girl’s lost their concentration due to the continous pressure,” said Jilani. Result:Bangladesh 0-9 Thailand
Match Highlights
16’ Thai midfielder R. Thonngsombut taps the ball in, after it slips off the gloves of Bangladesh goalie Sabina Khatun
17’ Thai captain Naphat Seesraum doubles the lead with a 20 yard shot
28’ Nisa Romyen’s cracking shot beats Sabina in the far post
44’ Nisa chips the ball over the onrushing Sabina
52’ Boontan Annonghat unleashes a grounder and hits the far post for the fifth
64’ Sunisa Srangthong’s cool headed finish from close range makes it six
79’ Boontan Annonghat scores her second
87’ Nisa Romyen completes her hat-trick
90+ Nisa completes the nine goal rout