Thailand delivered a dominant performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Afghanistan in an International ‘A’ Match FIFA Day at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok.
Thailand wasted no time making an impact, capitalizing on a defensive mistake just six minutes in. A long ball into Afghanistan’s penalty area caused confusion among the defenders, allowing Gustafsson to react quickly and fire home for a 1-0 lead.
Afghanistan’s best chance of the half came in the 10th minute when Omid Musawi broke through and unleashed a right-footed shot, but Thailand goalkeeper Saranon Anuin was equal to the task, keeping his side ahead. With limited opportunities for both teams, Thailand carried their 1-0 lead into halftime.
Thailand doubled their lead in the 52nd minute after a brilliant defensive interception by Nicholas Mickelson. The right-back initiated a swift counterattack, linking up with Worachit Kanitsribumphen before setting up Gustavsson, who clinically slotted in his second goal of the match.
With a comfortable lead, Ishii introduced fresh legs in the 61st minute, bringing on Chanathip Songkrasin, Suphanat Mueanta, and Weerathep Pomphan. Further substitutions followed in the 65th and 75th minutes to maintain the tempo and defensive solidity.
Thailand continued to press for a third goal, with Supanat Mueanta’s powerful shot in the 76th minute forcing a strong save from Afghanistan’s Owais Azizi. The Afghan goalkeeper denied Elias Dolah from a corner in the 83rd minute and made another crucial stop against Chanathip in the 86th minute.
Despite late attacking efforts, Thailand settled for a convincing 2-0 victory, showcasing their strength ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Thailand will now shift their focus to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, where they will face Sri Lanka, ranked 200th in the world, at Rajamangala Stadium on March 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
