Thais in King’s Cup final after penalty win
Kawin the hero as Thais upset Gabon in shoot-out to set up King’s Cup title clash with Slovakia
>> With a place in the King’s Cup final and five million baht in bonus secured, the War Elephants have emerged as the favourites to win this year’s title at Rajamangala National Stadium tomorrow and pocket another five.
After a goalless draw in regulation with higher-ranked Gabon, Thailand were lifted by goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan who made a couple of spectacular saves in the penalty shoot-out, which the hosts won 4-2.
Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), quickly confirmed that the team would be rewarded with the promised five-million-baht bonus despite winning Thursday’s battle on penalties.
“It was a good game and every player did his best,” said Somyot. “In fact, we looked a little bit better than Gabon tonight.
“We had several chances to score in regulation but were unlucky.
“I hope that in the final match we will beat Slovakia and claim the King’s Cup title for the third year in a row. If the boys can do it, we will reward them with another five million baht.”
Thailand face Slovakia, who defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the tournament opener on Thursday, in the the title showdown tomorrow night (7.30pm).
The UAE and Gabon will battle it out for third place earlier in the afternoon (4.30pm) on the same day.
Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac rued the opportunities missed by his men against Gabon, who were without their star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of English Premier League club Arsenal.
“It was a difficult game for us because our opponents Gabon are a strong team,” said Rajevac.
“We had chances and we should have won the match in 90 minutes.
“The most important thing is that we were able to control the game very well and it led to a good result for the team.”
Gabon coach Jose Antonio Camacho praised the Thai team’s performance but added that the match had exposed certain weaknesses in his side.
“Thailand played very well, but I am very proud of my team,” he said.
“The hosts are used to the weather and the pitch here and they exploited the familiar conditions to their advantage. This is our first time here in Thailand.
“We had problems with the players’ fitness and we also let the Thais play their own game.”
Thailand came close to claiming the upper hand in the first half but Teerasil Dangda was denied by Gabon goalkeeper Didier Ovono and midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin’s shot was cleared by a defender.
On the other side of the field, Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina’s attempt at goal was saved by Kawin.
In the second half, Port winger Nurul Sriyankem, who came on to replace Mongkol Thossakrai, saw his shots saved by Ovono twice.
Kawin was the hero of the night for the War Elephants.
The Belgian second division club OH Leaven’s goalkeeper saved the first two shots off the spot by Gabon’s Andre Poko and Axel Meye to tip the balance firmly in the Thai team’s favour.
Theerathon Bunmathan, Teerasil, Philip Roller and Pansa Hemviboon scored for Thailand in the shoot-out, but Peerapat Notechaiya missed the third kick.
The two scorers for Gabon were Ngouali Martinsson and Frederic Bulot.
Thailand had a few concerns of their own, particularly the fitness of their key players.
Teerasil, who plays for J1 League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima, said: “It was a close game. While it is a good result for the team, I am not happy with my own performance.
“I had some chances but didn’t take them. I need to improve. My fitness is not okay because when I was in Japan, I did not get the chance to play a full match. The weather is also very different.”
Left wing back Theerathon said: “I am happy that we have reached the final, but I am not happy with my form. I know I didn’t play well at all.
“It is probably because I am not getting enough playing time at [J1 League team] Vissel Kobe. But this can’t be an excuse.
“I hope to do better in the final against Slovakia.”