Thailand takes the top spot in the AFF Cup

After two matches against Brunei and the Philippines, Thailand finished 60 times. 28 of them hit the goal, helping Thailand to score nine goals, win six points and lead Group A thanks to better goal difference than Indonesia.

Starting with the same lineup compared to the match against Brunei, Thailand was not difficult to control the game when playing at Thammasat home. Right in the 3rd minute, from Theerathon Bunmathan's free kick, striker Teerasil Dangda hit a dangerous header, opening the scoring for the home team.

Similar to the match against Brunei, Bunmathan continued to play excellently, fulfilling the role of conductor when playing in central midfield. In the first half, the 32-year-old created no less than four good chances, but his teammates all missed. On average, Thailand finishes once every three minutes. But it was not until the 40th minute that the host doubled the lead, after Ekanit Panya was fouled by Aguinaldo in the penalty area. From a distance of 11 meters, Dangda scored the second goal of the match, increasing his AFF Cup scoring record to 22 goals.

The second half took place with the game not much different from the first half. Thailand kicked half the field and easily got a third goal in the 58th minute. This time, Dangda played the role of an assist, when he stretched out to clear the deck for Adisak Kraisorn to cross into the goal. The score of 4-0 was fixed just five minutes later, when Suphanan was present to catch the ball in time after Bordin Phala's effort.

Winning the Philippines, Thailand regained the top of Group A from Indonesia, with a slightly better difference than the opponent (+9 compared to +8). The Philippines, with their second defeat in three games, are almost certainly out. In the next match, Thailand will be a guest on the Indonesian field on December 29, and the Philippines will have a break. Josep Ferre's teachers and students will meet Indonesia in the last match, which will take place on January 2, 2023.