Thailand got their SEA Games campaign off to the perfect start with a 3-1 victory over minnows Timor Leste at the Thuwanna YTC Stadium in Yangon on Saturday evening.
Goals from Thitipan Puangchan, Pokkhao A-nan and Atit Daosawang saw off Timor Leste, who did manage to score a consolation goal thanks to Jose Carlos da Fonseca.
It took only three minutes for Thailand to break the deadlock as Adisak Kraisorn’s cross from the left reached Thitipan, who slotted home to give them the lead.
They doubled their lead in the 34th minute from midfielder Pokkhao, with Atit scoring the third goal four minutes after the break to give Thailand a 3-0 lead.
For all of Thailand’s dominance and chances created though, they were unable to build on their lead and Timor Leste scored a consolation goal in the 70th minute when substitute Da Fonseca beat Thai goalkeeper Kawin Thammasatchanan after a counter-attacking move.
Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang was pleased with his side’s victory and looked forward to the next game against Indonesia.
“Today we had so many chances to score a goal,” he said.
“In the first half we had 11 chances and in the second half we had eight chances, but we could only make three goals. But that is okay for us. We are looking forward to the next match.
“We lost one goal against Timor Leste, but we are quite confident about our defending. We need to work on the technique for the forwards. We need to score more.
“For the next match against Indonesia, we are quite confident and we will change some tactics. Indonesia is much stronger than Timor Leste, so we have homework to do."
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