Thailand moved closer to qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals after delivering a decisive 7-0 win over Iraq on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The Group B qualifying match took place at Chiang Mai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium, marking the host nation’s second consecutive victory in the campaign.
The result brings Thailand level on six points with group leaders India, who hold a slight edge on goal difference. Thailand are set to face Mongolia on Wednesday, while Iraq prepare to meet India in the next round of fixtures.
Thailand showed a more cohesive and clinical performance compared to their opening match. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Pichayatida Manowang set up Wirunya Kwenkasikum for the first goal. Pichayatida followed up with a well-placed strike in the 36th minute, before Panittha Jeeratanapavibul extended the lead just before halftime with a long-range effort.
Karnajanathat Phomsri added two goals in the second half, first converting a counterattack in the 58th minute and then scoring from the penalty spot in the 65th. Wirunya added her second and third goals in the final stages of the game, securing her hat-trick with a close-range header.
The commanding win reinforces Thailand’s ambitions for a place in the 2026 continental tournament, to be held in Australia.
Thailand head coach Futoshi Ikeda noted the team’s improved organization and recovery after their previous fixture. Players rotated across positions but maintained the team’s structure, contributing to the comprehensive result.
