Thailand's midfielder #11 Bordin Phala vies for the ball against Oman's midfielder #20 Salaah al-Yahyaei during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group F football match between Oman and Thailand at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on January 21, 2024. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Thailand held Oman to a goalless draw to maintain their fine start in the AFC Asian Cup, thanks to their defensive efforts at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Masatada Ishii’s men, who defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in their opening match, moved to four points to inch closer to Round 16 stage.
Saudi Arabia became the first side from Group F to advance after beating Kyrgyzstan 2-0 for their second consecutive victory in late group match yesterday.
Oman with a solitary point are now in a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for the knockout stage as they meet Kyrgyzstan in their final group match on Thursday.
Thailand's midfielder #13 Jaroensak Wonggorn and Oman's midfielder #08 Zahir al-Aghbari vie for the ball during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group F football match between Oman and Thailand at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on January 21, 2024. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP)
The Branko Ivankovic’s side that put up a gallant fight in 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia dominated the match but failed to create goal-scoring opportunities as Thailand remained solid in the defence.
Thailand were better in slow start to the match with the first 15 minutes hardly producing any excitement.
Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini blocked Elias Dolah header from a very close range following Theerathon Bunmathan cross with Abdullah Fawaz hitting the ball to safety from point blank range.
That 16th minute attempt was Thailand’s best moment in the match as Oman started to take control with more ball possession and attacks.
Action during the match played at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.
But Ivankovic’s men also failed to pose real danger to the Thai defence with Fawaz and Issam Al Sabhi missing the target in their attempts to open scoring from a distance.
The second half got underway in exciting fashion and Suphanat Mueanta produced a good solo effort after intercepting a ball in the middle before Ahmed Al Khamisi cleared the ball for a corner kick, which saw Supachai Chaided’s header in the left missing the target.
Salaah Al Yahyaei then burst through the defence to put Oman in sights of a goal but his effort could only lend them a free kick. Oman continued to push for goals but they were not good enough to find the winner as Thailand succeeded in keeping back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in Asian Cup.
They now face a tough challenge in Saudi Arabia on Thursday with both last group games to be played simultaneously.
