Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii hailed his players’ determination after a 2-0 victory over Chinese Taipei reignited their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifying campaign, according to the AFC. The result eased pressure on the Japanese tactician following June’s defeat to Turkmenistan and lifted the War Elephants level on six points with both Turkmenistan and a resurgent Sri Lanka in Group D.
Thailand took control of the match in the second half, with Seksan Ratree breaking the deadlock before captain Chanathip Songkrasin sealed the win. Ishii, pleased with his side’s pressing and resilience, credited their focus under pressure. “I admire the players who fought throughout the 90 minutes, constantly trying to intercept the ball in the opponents’ half,” he said. “What we need to work on is how to score more goals against the same opponents in the reverse fixture.”
The coach acknowledged potential changes ahead of Tuesday’s rematch due to injuries to Jonathan Khemdee, Apisit Soraya, and Jaroensak Wonggorn, but stressed that securing three points had been the priority. The win restored confidence to a Thai side seeking to return to Asia’s elite after a disappointing start to their qualifying run.
In the group’s other fixture, Sri Lanka delivered one of the biggest surprises of the round by defeating Turkmenistan 1-0. Leon Perera scored the decisive goal, but it was captain Jason Thayaparan who earned plaudits for his defensive heroics, twice clearing off the line to preserve the clean sheet.
“The credit goes to every single player, it doesn’t matter if he played 90 minutes or one minute or even just being on the bench,” Thayaparan said after the match. “We worked so hard and stuck together like one family, and we saw it in the game today. We hit the post in the first half and it gave us confidence that we could win and keep a clean sheet.”
The result leaves Sri Lanka level with Thailand and Turkmenistan on six points at the top of Group D, a position few expected when the draw was made. “We are showing that we can do it,” Thayaparan added, reflecting the growing belief within a team chasing its first-ever AFC Asian Cup appearance.
Sri Lanka will face Turkmenistan again on Tuesday in Arkadag, while Thailand prepare for their return meeting with Chinese Taipei as both teams aim to strengthen their grip on qualification.
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