Thailand recovered from an early two goal deficit to overcome young Uzbekistan 5-3 to book a place in the final of the women’s competition of the Asian Indoor Championship in Chonburi.
The win pits them against Kazakhstan in Sunday’s final,
Uzbekistan shocked the more fancied Thai’s by taking an early 2-0 lead but they caved in after relentless pressure from the home team.
Thailand started off as favourites to win the match but the youngsters from Uzbekistan had other ideas.
And they transformed it into two early goals that shocked the hosts.
Gulrukh Ramazonova gave Uzbekistan a 1-0 lead in the 5th minute.
And barely had the cheers died down that Sabrina Adizova made it 2-0 in the very next minute.
Ruenruedee Saubsing reduces the deficit for Thailand in the 10th minute.
Tikhamporn Sakilpithak drew Thailand level at 2-2 in the 16th minute.
And Tikhamporn found the mark yet again in the 24th minute to give Thailand the lead at 3-2 and the home crowd roared in appreciation.
This boosted the confidence of the Thailand girls and although some shoulders started dropping on the Uzbekistan squad, they still fought tooth and nail.
But a fourth Thailand goal, this time via Jiratchaya Todkaee in the 30th minute made the tough almost impossible for Uzbekistan.
Tikhamporn netted her third, and Thailand’s fifth in the 34th minute and that virtually sealed their place in the final.
Though Uzbekistan made it 5-3 in the 36th minute with captain Inoyatkhon Berceiva scoring, it was a case of being a little too late to salvage the match.
