AFF WOMEN: Thais blast nine goals, first win for Malaysia

Thailand, as expected, claimed their second successive victory of the AFF Women’s Championship when they downed Timor Leste 9-0 in a Group A match at the Institute of Physical Education Stadium here this evening. The Thais, who have registered many players from the recent women’s World Cup team, were simply too strong yesterday

Thailand have six points and moved to the top of the standings on a superior goal difference compared to the Philippines, who also have as many points. Thailand’s 8-0 win in their opener against Singapore, along with their haul today have placed them in a strong position to advance. Yesterday, Vietnam and Myanmar, from Group B, firmed their places in the last four.

The Thais shot ahead within the first minute when their star player and captain, Kanjana Sung-Ngoen teased with a cross to the centre where Chaiyarak easily tapped in. Some ten minutes later, the Thais added a second, after Zonalia F.P. Mendonca turned the ball into her own net.

Fans were expecting a barrage of goals to follow, but Kanjana, Waenngoen Crapin, Saengchan Khwanrudi and Chaiyarak Jaruwan all missed their chances. Even a penalty awarded in the 28^th minute, after Chaiyarak was brought down, failed to find its mark as Kanjana blew the shot over the crossbar. Finally, after numerous attempts, the home side found a third through Waenngoen in the final moments of the half.

Thailand had a fine restart, scoring with a deft flick from Kanjana who stepped ahead of the goalkeeper. The Timor players, after working so hard to keep the brakes on their rivals, began to tire and Thailand piled it on. The remaining goals came from Kanjana (50^th, 60^th), Sornsai Pitsamai (64^th), Waenngoen (90^th) and Nildhamrong Suchawadee (63^rd, 90^th).

In the first match today, Malaysia earned their first win of the tournament when they defeated their neighbours to the south 4-0 in a Group A match here this afternoon. Malaysia, who lost 3-0 to the Philippines in their opening match, knocked in two goals in each half to collect three points today.

For Singapore, this was their third straight loss, after earlier defeats to Timor Leste and later to host Thailand.

Nurul Izzati Zainol struck the opening goal in the 26^th minute before Lovelytha Jelus doubled it in the 35^th minute with a strike from close range. Singapore battled back but were unable to stop Jaciah Jumilis and Shereilynn Elly Pius from adding their names to the scoresheet in the 56^th and 80^th minutes.

TODAY’S RESULTS

Group A

Malaysia bt Singapore 3-0

Thailand bt Timor Leste 9-0

TOMORROW’S MATCHES

Group B

Myanmar vs Vietnam

Cambodia vs Indonesia

STANDINGS

NOTE: The teams in bold have qualified for the semi-finals

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