Thailand women's team lost despite leading Myanmar 2-0

Cambodia led by two goals after 18 minutes, but Thailand lost 2-4 to Myanmar in the semi-finals of women's football at the 32nd SEA Games.

Myanmar players control the ball against a Thai attack during the semi-final match at Lambert Stadium, Phnom Penh on the evening of May 12. Photo: FAT — Myanmar players control the ball against a Thai attack during the semi-final match at Lambert Stadium, Phnom Penh on the evening of May 12. Photo: *FAT*

Thailand is the only team to win all and keep a clean sheet in the group stage of women's football at the 32nd SEA Games, defeating Singapore 4-0, Laos 6-0 and Cambodia 3-0 in Group B. The team nicknamed "Chab Kaew" is even rated higher than Vietnam - the gold medal winner of the last three SEA Games. On the contrary, Myanmar only entered the semi-finals as the runners-up in Group A, having lost 1-3 to Vietnam in the second round.

The early action at Lambert Stadium reflected that disparity, as Thailand dominated the game and easily took a 2-0 lead after just 18 minutes. Striker Saowalak Pengngam ran to receive the ball in the 16m50 area and finished decisively with his right foot in the 11th minute. Seven minutes later, in a build-up play in the middle, midfielder Orapin Waenngoen went to the edge of the Myanmar penalty area and finished with a tricky chip, beating both the defender and the goalkeeper, doubling the lead.

Myanmar reduced the gap to one goal in the 44th minute, from the situation where center Win Theingi Tun went down the right wing and crossed for Yu Per Khine to finish. Even then, Thailand still gave the feeling that they were very close to victory with the better position and a one-goal advantage.

Orapin Waenngoen (No. 15) in the situation of raising the score to 2-0 for Thailand in the 18th minute. Photo: FAT — Orapin Waenngoen (No. 15) in the situation of raising the score to 2-0 for Thailand in the 18th minute. Photo: *FAT*

However, just three minutes into the second half, the situation quickly changed after Myanmar equalized 2-2 with a shot from Win Theingi Tun - a striker who plays for BG Bundit Asia in the Thai Women's League. Boosting their spirits, Myanmar added a third goal in the 57th minute when captain Khin Marlar Tun dribbled down the left and passed the ball to Phyu Phyu Win to score.

The two early goals left Thailand paralyzed. In the first half, they had five shots and scored two goals, but in the second half, until the 63rd minute, "Chaba Kaew" did not even create a clear chance. The confusion continued until Thailand tried their best to find an equalizer in the last 15 minutes including extra time. But their impatience not only caused them to make mistakes in the final passes, but also conceded a fourth goal in the third minute of extra time, from Myat Noe Khin.

This 2-4 defeat forced Thailand to play the bronze medal match against host Cambodia - the team that lost 0-4 to Vietnam in the same match. Meanwhile, Myanmar will meet Vietnam again in the gold medal match at 7:30 p.m. on May 15.

Myanmar players celebrate the comeback victory. Photo: FAT — Myanmar players celebrate the comeback victory. Photo: *FAT*

In the last two SEA Games, Thailand lost to Vietnam with the same score of 0-1 in the gold medal match. But with the unexpected defeat at the hands of Myanmar today, "Chaba Kaew" has no chance to meet again to take revenge against the Vietnamese women.

Vietnam is currently the most successful in the history of women's football at the SEA Games, winning 7 gold medals in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2019, and 2021. Meanwhile, Myanmar's best achievement is only three silver medals in 1997, 2003, and 2005.

Nhat Tao

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