BACOLOD CITY (21 Nov 2018) – The Philippines, playing their best game in the AFF Suzuki Cup competition so far, kept their unbeaten record after three matches with a 1-1 draw against defending champions Thailand at the Panaard Stadium in Bacolod City tonight.
Despite the draw, Thailand remained on top of Group B with seven points after three matches – the same as the Azkals but the War Elephants are ahead on goal difference following their 7-0 whitewash of Timor Leste in their first match followed by a 4-2 win over Indonesia.
Winners of the last two editions of the competition the Thais, who had to spend an extra day in Manila on Monday after their connecting flight to Bacolod City was canceled due to Tropical Depression Samuel, are fielding their second team in the premier ASEAN meet.
The Thais have not lost to the Azkals in their last 16 meetings in 46 years but despite taking the lead it was not their best of performance from the champions.
The War Elephants just about did enough to take the lead on 56 minutes when young Supachai Chaided drilled home a low shot past goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard from a cross on the right.
The match was at times feisty but Malaysian referee Nagor Amir Noor Mohamed kept things under control.
Interestingly it was the Azkals who kept their 3,500 odd fans on their toes with good looks at the Thai goal but could not hit the target with skipper Phil Younghusband, Daisuke Sato, Manuel Ott, Stephen Schrock all muffing their opportunities.
As the match progressed the homesters upped their ante and the Thais backline was under pressure. The Azkals finally scored ten minutes before the end although the goal came the bizarre way – a goal which Thai goalkeeper Chatchai Bootprom could have saved.
Substitute Jevin Bodic’s long-range shot at the Thai goal. The ball hit left upright and rolled along the goal line – looking harmless but somehow the bemused Chatchai looked lost. The ball hit Chatchai and deflected off him into the net at the right post.
The blue-shirted Thais were left stunned while the white-shirted Azkals celebrated.
Thailand will be at home to Singapore in their next match while the Azkals head to Jakarta to face Indonesia.
