Thailand entered the tie as favourites against a Maldives side who have never reached the Finals of the Continental showpiece.

Thailand enjoyed the lion’s share of possession with Bordin Phala, Theerathon Bunmathan causing early problems for Maldives.

Thailand almost scored the opener in the 18th minute when Theerathon found Sarach Yooyen inside the six-yard-box and the midfielder sent a delightful cross toThitiphan Puangchan, who failed to get his header on target.

Thailand continued to put Maldives under pressure with Teerasil Dangda coming close two minutes later when he planted his shot just wide from the edge of the box, before Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom missed with his effort in the 24th minute.

Thailand’s hard work was rewarded in the 40th minute when Theerathon delivered a wonderful cross into the box for Sarach to score with a glancing header which hit the underside of the bar before crossing the line.

Teerasil then added Thailand’s second when he calmly slotted home from close range, finishing off Yooyen’s pass in the closing stages of the first half.

Thailand sat deep in the second half, allowing Maldives to have more of the ball but the South Asian side failed to find the breakthrough needed to pull themselves back into the tie.

Pansa Hemviboon scored Thailand’s third goal in the 80th minute when he picked up a deflected cross from Theerathon before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.