Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Nilai: Thailand claimed third place at the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship on Saturday after beating Malaysia 4-1 at the Nilai Indoor Stadium.
Thailand were the more dangerous of the two Southeast Asian sides in the first half, and it was they who had the first real opportunity of the game in the second minute when Siranya Srimanee failed to make the most of a free-kick when well placed.
Malaysia responded when Fatin Shahida Azmi’s smart pass found Farahiyah Ridzuan who failed to trouble Thailand keeper Pannipa Kamolrat.
Thailand were then thwarted by the an impressive Nurul Atiqa in the Malaysian goal before the hosts drew first blood, Masturah Majid’s soft header proving too much for Thai custodian Kamolrat on 11 minutes.
However Chiew Chuun Yong’s side surrendered their lead just two minutes later when a corner throw in by Thailand’s Pacharaporn Srimuan found another substitute, Mamyalee Sawitree, whose shot rolled between Atiqa’s legs and into the net.
On 15 minutes, an unmarked Hataichanok Tappakun handed Thailand the lead thanks to some lapse Malaysian defending. Malaysia’s Farahiyah Ridzuan had a chance to level matters before the break but her hastily taken shot went wide.
The Thais pushed on in the second half and duly extended their advantage when Darika Peanpailun fired home ahead of an own goal by Malaysia substitute Nur Shazreen Munazli which ended the game as a contest
What they said....
Rakphol Sainetngam (Thailand coach)
“I’d like thank my players for their extraordinary efforts today. Despite Malaysia leading 1-0 early in the game, my players had perfect faith in their abilities, they had a big heart to win this game today and they did it. In fact, they played better than yesterday. Their faith and tactics made a big difference.”
Chiew Chun Yong (Malaysia coach)
“Overall, I’m happy with my team’s performance having made this far in the game. In the early minutes for the first half, my team led the Thais 1-0 but we surrendered the lead due to lack of concentration and individual mistakes. Physical was also another aspect that we’ll look into to improve. But today, special kudos to my goalkeeper (Nur Atiqah), who made a lot of great saves.