Vietnam edge Thailand for top spot in Group A

Phnom Penh: Vietnam clinched top spot in the 2019 AFF U22 Cup Group A after playing to a 0-0 draw with Thailand at the National Olympic Stadium on Thursday. 

The eagerly anticipated tie failed to sizzle as both teams made a handful of changes to the starting line-up.

And in the end, the game did not sparkle enough for a change to the scoreline although several yellow cards were flashed by Cambodian referee Khoun Virak.

Chances were far and in between as both teams were restricted to a midfield battle in a match that was played yet again under scorching heat.

But it was Vietnam who had the lion’s share of the possession as they pushed Thailand into their own half for much of the exchange.

Tong Anh Ty and also Nguyen Hoang Duy all tried with their efforts but the Thai defence stood firm to ensure the score remained 0-0 all the way into the second half.

Thailand finally woke up in the game late in the match but the effort from Jedsadakorn Kowngan was just wide.

“We changed several players as the idea is to give all players playing time,” said Vietnam head coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan. “We just want the players to get organised and be ready for the semi-final game.”

“Vietnam had more possession for sure but they could not score,” said Thailand head coach Alexandreda Gama. “We had to make some changes to the squad as some players were on one yellow card while others were injured.”

Timor-Leste, meanwhile, ended their campaign with a 1-0 win over Philippines to finish third in the group.

Results

Group A

Vietnam 0-0 Thailand

Timor-Leste 1-0 Philippines

Thursday

Group B (Local time)

Malaysia v Myanmar (18:30)

Indonesia v Cambodia (18:30)

Sources: Asean Football Federation, Football Federation of CambodiaSource: the-afc.com