Thailand national team delivered under pressure to defeat Turkmenistan national team 2-1 in a decisive Group D clash of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification at Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok.
Both teams entered the match level on 12 points after five games, but Turkmenistan held the head-to-head advantage following a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture.
Head coach Anthony Hudson deployed a balanced setup, with Thanawat Suengchitthawon and Theerathon Bunmathan controlling midfield behind an attacking trio led by captain Chanathip Songkrasin and striker Supachai Chaided.
The War Elephants started brightly, creating early chances through Chanathip and Supachai, but were initially denied by Turkmenistan’s goalkeeper.
The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute, when a precise corner from Theerathon found Suphanan Bureerat, who powered home a free header to give Thailand a deserved 1-0 lead.
Thailand continued to dominate possession and push forward, but were unable to add a second goal before halftime despite several promising opportunities.
The visitors responded in the second half and found an equalizer in the 60th minute, when Temur Charyev fired home from the edge of the box after a neat assist from Mihail Titov.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Thailand made a series of attacking substitutions, including the introduction of Supachok Sarachat and Jude Soonsup-Bell.
As the clock ticked down, tension gripped the stadium, but Thailand found their best moment in the 88th minute.
Another set-piece proved decisive as Theerathon delivered a pinpoint corner, this time met by Manuel Tom Bihr, who headed home unmarked to restore the lead at 2-1.
The victory sees Thailand finish top of the group with 15 points, securing qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 finals in Saudi Arabia.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
