Thailand ease into Suzuki Cup final
Published on: Friday, December 09, 2016
BANGKOK: Thailand are 180 minutes away from a successful defence of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup after easing past Myanmar 4-0 in their semi-finals second leg clash on Thursday (Dec 8).The tournament favourites advanced to the final on a 6-0 aggregate win.The Thais took a 2-0 first leg lead into the match at the Rajamangala stadium in Bangkok, but did not rest on their laurels against a feisty Myanmar.
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Forward Sarawut Masuk scored the opening goal of the evening in the 33rd minute, after heading in a cross from teammate Theeraton Bunmathan.Myanmar tried to mount a comeback but Than Paing's effort early in the second half cannoned off the crossbar. Bunmathan then gave Thailand a 2-0 lead by converting a penalty in the 66th minute, after Masuk was fouled by Yan Aung Kyaw.Siroch Chatthon put the tie to bed in the 76th minute after his right footed shot hit the back of the Myanmar net from a tight angle. Chanathip Songkrasin added a fourth for Thailand in the 83rd minute after an assist from Masuk.
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The victory gives the War Elephants their eighth final appearance in the regional tournament, and an opportunity to win the trophy for a record fifth time.They will face surprise package Indonesia in the two-legged clash scheduled for Wednesday (Dec 14) and Saturday (Dec 17).
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Thailand go into the double header in rampant form, having won all five of their matches in the competition including a 4-2 victory over Indonesia in their Group A opener last month in Manila. Indonesia, meanwhile, scraped through as Group A runners-up with a draw against the Philippines and a 2-1 win over Singapore. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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