Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Thailand eased past Afghanistan on Friday as a convincing 8-1 victory saw the host nation seal a spot in the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship quarter-finals.
The win leaves Thailand with 12 points from their four games, and they will now face off against fellow qualifiers Iraq on Saturday with top spot in Group A up for grabs.
It was, however, an own goal by Thailand’s Weerasak Srichai that broke the deadlock on 11 minutes after Jawad Haidari’s shot caused consternation in the home side’s penalty area. Thailand’s equaliser came thanks to Muhammad Osamanmusa’s short range strike shortly after, before Weerasak made amends by firing home a goal of his own.
Late goals from Osamanmusa and Witsanu Meemakbang then gave the hosts a healthy lead going into the break at a lively Bangkok Arena.
Despite Afghanistan employing a power play after the restart, Osamanmusa bagged two more in quick succession and Worrapluch Jiwjaratrong’s shot from distance bounced into an unguarded goal. Jiwjaratrong sealed the deal with a late penalty to hand Miguel Rodrigo’s side three points and their ticket into the knockout phase.
Afghanistan: WEERASAK 11’ (OG)
Thailand: OSAMANMUSA 16’, WEERASAK 17’, OSAMANMUSA 18’, WITSANU 20’, OSAMANMUSA 23’, OSAMANMUSA 23’, WORRAPLUCH 34’, WORRAPLUCH 40’
Photo: AFC