Top ranked Thailand edged past their ASEAN rivals Philippines 1-0 in an evenly contested match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup group ‘B’ qualifiers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. Star Thai forward Nisa Romyen’s 37th minute strike steered Thailand to the second consecutive victory and a strong position for the qualification to the final round. Philippines, who beat Iran 6-0 in their opener, fought hard but lack of quality finishing saw the on the losing side. However, they were also fortunate as the woodwork denied Thailand twice in either half of the match. Thailand again proved their technical and tactical superiority with mixing their moves in the flanks and midfield. They kept Philippines guessing and stamped their authority in the opening minutes. The Thai efficiency was visible in the 10th minute when midfielder Thongsombut danced down the left flank and cut the ball back to midfielder Wilaiporn Boothduang who hit the crosspiece from the middle of the box. In the very next minute Nisa was totally dejected to see her upward placing whisker past the crosspiece. Philippines had their first chance in the 20th minute when star forward Jesse Anne Shugg sped past her marker at the right edge of the box, but blasted the ball wide. However, Nisa’s superb effort in the 37th minute made all the difference. Rightly anticipating the path of a through pass of Antoosara Maijareen, Nisa kept her cool to place the ball past onrushing Philippines goalie Maria De La Cruz in the far post. Wilaiporn Boothduang was cursing her luck again in the 48th minute when she curved a free-kick from 20 yards out, but saw the ball kiss the inside edge of the crosspiece off the gloves of De La Cruz. The hunger of saving the match inspired the Philippines in the last half hour. In the 65th minute midfielder Heather Cook ran down the left flank and cut a low cross to Anne Shugg who missed the line of the ball in her effort to unleash a volley. Anne Shugg came tantalisingly close to the equaliser in the 84th minute and it was Thai goalie Waraporn Boonsing who dived into her feet at the top of the six yard box to save her team’s fort. Thailand inserted their full effort to keep their fort intact and survived the late onslaught to take a big step towards qualification.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
