Thais keep Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal hopes alive

Kanyanat Chetthabutr

Thailand kept their hopes of advancing out of the Group Stage in the AFC Women's Asian Cup alive by defeating Indonesia, 4-0, on Monday night at the D. Y. Patil Stadium.

Kanyanat Chettabur netted a hat trick to lead the Thais, who were fresh from a surprise 1-0 defeat to the Philippines in the opener.

She was aggressive from the get go against the Indonesians, putting pressure on the defense with a couple of attempts inside the six-yard box.

The first half continued with Taneekarn Dangda joining Chetthabutr in securing more scoring opportunities, whilst Irravadee Makris's chance was saved by Fani Supriyanto.

It took 27 minutes to figure out the Indonesian puzzle, as a Jaruwan Chaiyarak corner kick found its way to an unmarked Chetthabutr.

The second goal came nine minutes later with Dangda setting up Chettabutr for a tap-in.

After the halftime break, the Thais continued to put pressure on their opposition, netting a chance for a third goal in the 52nd minute, as Wilaporn Boothduang set up Dangda for an attempt that Supriyanto saved.

Unfortunately, the keeper would suffer an injury that forced the coaching staff to replace her with Riska Aprilia at the hour mark.

Chetthabutr would complete her hat trick in the 71st minute with some individual brilliance.

Markis would complete the scoring for the night five minutes later after she lobbed one over the Aprilia.

With the win, the Thais are level on points with the Philippines, but with the latter still holding down second spot in Group B owing to head-to-head tiebreaker.

They will face off against an Australian side on Thursday that has already secured a spot in the next round. As for the Indons, they will head to Pune to face the Philippines to close out pool play.