Thailand began its defense of the Asean Championship with a 5-0 victory over Brunei on Tuesday (20 December), thanks to three late goals from Mano Polking’s team.
Following earlier strikes from Bordin Phala and Teerasil Danga, as well as an 88th-minute own goal from Yura Yunos, Peeradon Chamrasamee scored twice in injury time to improve the reigning champs’ goal differential.
Teerasil’s pass back across goal set up Bordin for a close-range goal in the 19th minute, before Teerasil headed in the second minute of the second half after Theerathorn Bunmathan’s left-wing cross.
Yura had little control over his own goal, the ball striking him on the chest at close range and crossing the line following Haimie Nyaring’s failed hack clear.
Peeradon scored Thailand’s fourth goal from the penalty spot in the 91st minute, and he added another two minutes later with a beautiful effort from distance.
Thailand now leads Group A, where they are joined on three points by Cambodia following their 3-2 victory against the Philippines.
The first phase of the Asean Championship, which brings together ten Southeast Asian nations, will run through January 3, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the final four.
The semi-finals will take place on January 6 and 9, with the final taking place on January 13 and 16.
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