Youth brigade fires eight past Brunei
Striker Supachai Chaided scored a hattrick to help Thailand U23 team trounce Brunei 8-0 in an AFC U23 Championship qualifier in Hanoi yesterday.
Earlier, Thailand beat Indonesia 4-0, while Brunei lost 6-0 to hosts Vietnam in opening round of Group K games on Friday.
Thailand U23 team coach Alexandre Gama opted to rotate players in many positions, giving Korawich Tasa a chance to start alongside Supachai and Supachok Sarachart.
The young War Elephants had a good start and they got their first goal when Worachit Kanitsribumphen opened a long ball to Supachok, who scored from close range on 21 minutes.
The Thais controlled the game as Brunei packed their defence. However, despite creating several chances, Gama’s men were unable to add to their tally and went into the break with a onegoal advantage.
It was in the second half when floodgates opened and Thais fired seven unanswered goals.
Their second goal came in the 51st minute, when Supachai scored his first before substitute Suphanat Muenta added the third seven minutes later.
Another substitute Anon Amornlertsak claimed the fourth, and Supachai soon bagged a brace to make it 6-0 for the Thais.
Saringkan Promsupa then converted a penalty claimed by Supachai and Chotipat Poomkaew put his name on the scoresheet late to complete the romp.
Thailand play their last Group K game against Vietnam tomorrow at 8pm (Thai time).