Goals: Yotsakorn 44’, 71’, 72’; Siraphop 49’; Rodrigues (own goal) 60’; Kakana 83’ – Caffin 90’+3.
Despite hosting SEA Games 33, Thailand's opening match at Rajamangala Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 52.000 seats, saw only about 5.000 fans. The stadium's lighting system also malfunctioned, preventing full illumination.
On the pitch, the match started challenging for the Thai players, as Timor Leste played defensively. In the 4th minute, Siraphop Wandee unleashed a powerful long-range shot, forcing goalkeeper Pereira Rodrigues into a difficult save. Seven minutes later, Thanakrit delivered a cross into the box for Pichitchai to head into the visitors' net, but the referee ruled it offside. Moments later, the home side had a scare in the 12th minute when Malik Fernando's close-range header hit the post.
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Thai forward Yotsakorn Burapha (in white) scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory over Timor Leste during their opening Group A men's football match at SEA Games 33, held at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on 3/12. Photo: Duc Dong |
Thailand created several more chances but failed to beat goalkeeper Rodrigues. Meanwhile, Timor Leste players confidently displayed some spontaneous plays. The breakthrough for the hosts finally came in the 44th minute, when Thanakrit crossed the ball from the left wing into the penalty area, allowing Yotsakorn Burapha to head it into the bottom left corner, scoring the opening goal.
Relieved of pressure, Thailand played with renewed vigor, scoring five consecutive goals in the second half. In the 49th minute, Siraphop Wandee doubled the lead with a header. Chanon dribbled past Luis Figo on the left wing, then delivered a powerful cross. Goalkeeper Rodrigues reacted slowly, and the ball deflected off him into the net.
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Thai midfielder Siraphop Wandee celebrates scoring to make it 2-0 in the 6-1 victory over Timor Leste during their opening Group A men's football match at SEA Games 33, held at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on 3/12. Photo: Duc Dong |
In the 71st and 72nd minutes, Yotsakorn completed his hat-trick with a header and by capitalizing on an opponent's defensive error. In the 83rd minute, Thanawut skillfully maneuvered in the penalty area before threading a pass to Kakana, who finished from close range to score the sixth goal.
The third goal caused Timor Leste to lose their composure. However, they managed to score a consolation goal in injury time through substitute Antonio Caffin, following a coordinated corner kick from the right wing.
The resounding 6-1 win gives Thailand a strong start to their SEA Games 33 gold medal campaign. In their next match, Timor Leste will face Singapore on 6/12. The final group stage match will be between Thailand and Singapore on 11/12.
Starting Lineups:
U22 Thailand: Sorawat Phosaman, Chanon Tamma, Chanapach Buaphan, Sittha Boonlha, Yotsakorn Burapha, Thanakrit, Siraphop Wandee, Chinngoen, Pichitchai, Yotsakorn Natthasit, Phon-ek Maneekorn
U22 Timor Leste: Pereira Rodrigues, Fowler Jackson, Robinho, Xavi, Luis Figo, Malik Fernando, Corsino Bahkito, Conceicao Gostavo, Freteliano, Quintao Dias, Correia Anizo.
Hieu Luong
