THAIS TO TAKE ON AUSSIES IN AFF U16 WOMEN’S FINAL

In the semi-finals matches that were played today, Thailand edged past Vietnam 3-0 while Australia triumphed over hosts Myanmar A 6-1 in the other game of the day.

“The score was flattering,” said Thailand team manager Dr. Kasom Chanawongse.

“But the truth was that it was a hard game with both teams defensive at the start and were not willing to commit which could lead to mistakes. But we found the opening to score the first goal and that gave the players confidence for the rest of the match.”

The heavy downpour just before the first whistle made for cooler conditions for both teams but considering what is at stake, neither Thailand or Vietnam were pushing too hard for the first goal.

It was Vietnam who had the first look at goal in the fifth minute but the chance which fell to Vu Thi Thuy was wasted when she blasted it straight to Thai keeper Kamolthip Chanthakhai.

Thailand then replied three minutes later with a double effort but Rattiyakorn Pra-Ang failed to get the better of Vietnam custodian Tran Thi Kim Thanh while some time afterwards she shot to the side netting instead.

In the 31st minute of play, Thailand finally carved out the lead when Sriwan Onlamul made good on a cross from Anongnat Boontan.

Vietnam ended the first half with a shot from captain Nguyen Thi Tuyet from the edge of the Thai box which again went straight to Kamolthip.

Thailand started the stronger into the second half and just nine minutes on, they won a penalty when Vietnam defender Duong Thi Na brought down Thai midfielder Pranee Tanasan inside the box.

Referee Rita Gani did not hesitate to point to the spot which Thai captain Wannipa Kongthip duly converted as she sent Tran Thi the wrong way.

The Thai girls then made it 3-0 right at the hour mark when Prapapron capitalised on a defensive error from Thi Na to score.

In the meantime, hosts Myanmar put up a brave fight but in the end, just could not stem the tide against the Australians for a final 6-1 defeat.

A first minute goal from Caitlin Friend set the tone for the game as Myanmar A contend with the loss of first choice keeper Zar Zar Myint due to a clash with striker Tara Andrews.

But the Myanmar girls fought hard to get back into the game and in the ninth minute, Ferida Saw floated in a free kick which gave the hosts the well-deserved equaliser as the Aussies conceded their first goal of the tournament.

Buoyed by the support of more than 5,000 screaming fans, Myanmar held out the Aussies for long periods before conceding their second goal of the game through Samantha Kerr (40th minute) and Alanna Kennedy (43rd).

Australia continued very much in the same vein in the second half as they completed the score line with further goals off Tara Andrews (58th minute), Brittany Whitfield (78th) and Emily Van Egmond’s 81st minute penalty.

“Myanmar defended hard in the first half and put us under a lot of pressure,” added Robert Hooker, the head coach for Australia.

“But the girls generally played a good game against a different type of opponent who gave us the hardest game thus far in the competition.”

RESULTS

Oct 16

Semi-finals: Thailand bt Vietnam 3-0; Australia bt Myanmar A 6-1

FIXTURES

Oct 18

Third/ Fourth placing (3.30pm): Vietnam vs Myanmar A

Final (6pm): Thailand vs Australia