Kuala Lumpur: Thailand and Indonesia secured wins in their second AFC U20 Futsal Championship 2019 ASEAN Zone Qualifiers matches on Friday.
The ASEAN Zone has a total of five teams - Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam - who will play in a league format, wherein the top three teams will qualify for the Finals next year.
THAILAND 7-1 MYANMAR
Bangkok: Thailand beat Myanmar 7-1 to extend their wins to two out of two matches played, placing them top of the standings with six points.
After beating Malaysia 4-2 in their opener, Thailand’s young squad displayed consistency in the opening minutes and were ahead in the sixth minute with Supakorn Sangom finding the back of the net, before an own goal from Myanmar’s Pyae Phyo Maung made it 2-0 three minutes later.
The host of the previous edition and the Finals next year, Thailand were assured a healthy lead going into the break, as Piyapat Aeimwilai and Krit Aransanyalak etched their names on the scoresheet in the 15th and 20th minutes respectively.
A goal from Htet Wai Thein two minutes into the second half was nmere consolation for the visitors as Aeimwilai restored Thailand's four-goal lead.
Myanmar, who had previously lost to Malaysia and Vietnam, had their hopes of a comeback dashed when further goals from Chutipong Suraditanunt and Chutinan Raksasap in the 27th and 38th minutes respectively, sealed a convincing win for Thailand.
Sitting at the bottom of the standings, Myanmar have no chance of sealing a top three finish but will be looking to end their qualifying campaign with a win as they face Indonesia on Saturday, while Thailand take on Vietnam.
INDONESIA 4-2 MALAYSIA
Three first half goals laid the foundation for Indonesia’s 4-2 win over Malaysia, to secure their first win in the ASEAN Zone Qualifiers.
The win places Indonesia tied on four points with Vietnam, but ahead due on goal difference.
Malaysia, who had one win and a loss to their name, were quick to stamp their dominance, and within the first two minutes they were ahead through Ahmad Harith Naim’s effort.
Indonesia, 2017 quarter-finalists, were hardly distracted by the early goal and pushed for the equaliser that came in the 16th minute when Dewa Rizki Amanda found the back of the net, before Mohammad Afif Rizky and Rizal Musthofa made sure they took the lead going into the break with goals in the 19th and 20th minutes.
As the game drew to a close, Muhammad Syaifullah made it 4-1 for Indonesia, only for Malaysia’s Iskandar Bin Harun to have the final say of the night but it was too little too late as Indonesia edged closer to the Finals.
Malaysia will play their final qualifying match on Sunday against Vietnam, a tie they need to win if they are to make a second consecutive appearance in the AFC U20 Futsal Championship Finals.
Photos: Football Association of Thailand
Source: the-afc.com