Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Thailand won 2-0 with difficulty over Timor Leste in the opening match of the 2021 AFF Cup in Group A at the National Stadium, Sunday (5/12).
Thai defender Kritsada Kaman’s header from a corner kick hit the crossbar after hitting Filomeno Junior’s leg.
Senior striker Terasil Dangda also almost scored against Timor Leste if his header was not blocked by goalkeeper Junildo Pereira.
Not wanting to be left behind, Supachok Sarachart also created an opportunity through a kick from outside the penalty box but still deviated from the left side of the Timor Leste goal in the 32nd minute.
The Thai national team controlled the game well. However, Timor Leste’s solid defense frustrated the Thai players.
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Illustrated Timor Leste vs Thailand. (Thananuwat Srirasant / Lagardere Sport via affsuzukicup.com)- – |
Thailand had a winning moment before the last first half through Teerasil Dangda. However, Teerasil’s shot in the 40th minute was still flying over the Timor Leste crossbar.
Thailand’s effort to take the lead was only created in the 51st minute through Pathompon Charoenrattanapirom’s goal. After receiving a cross from the right, Pathompon first pushed the ball slightly before releasing a right-footed kick.
The ball could still be pushed over by goalkeeper Junildo Pereira, but the strong current kept the ball in the Timor Leste goal.
Mouzinho almost scored the equalizer in the 70th minute. However, Mouzinho was a bit late as his right foot shot was blocked by Manuel Bihr.
Final settlement was a problem for Thailand in adding goals in the second half. Narubadin Weerawatnodom’s cross from the left failed to take advantage after his volley in the 79th minute veered far from the opponent’s goal.
Thailand’s deadlock for scoring a second goal was finally broken after Supacok found Pereira’s goal in the 81st minute after using a cross from the right.
Thailand had a number of goal chances in the remainder of the match, but failed to change the score. The match ended with a 2-0 win for Thailand over Timor Leste.
(sry)
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