Nanjing: China PR all but secured their progression to the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship semi-finals, overcoming an improved Thailand to claim a 2-0 victory at Jiangning Sports Centre Stadium on Wednesday.
The win – which came courtesy of an own goal from Thailand’s Tipkritta and a second-half strike from Liu Jing (pictured above, right) – means only an improbable series of results will prevent the hosts from taking their place in the final four.
Hesterine de Reus made three changes to the China team which beat Uzbekistan, most notably including Shen Mengyu – the squad’s youngest player - in the centre of midfield, while Nuengrutai Srathongvian welcomed back star forward Kanyanat Chetthabutr for Thailand.
The Thais also included goalkeeper Pantip, and the 18-year-old was called into action early – making a fine save from Zhao Yujie’s eighth minute half volley, as the hosts looked to get on top early.
While they were able to control the lion’s share of possession, the Young Steel Roses struggled to carve out clear-cut chances as Thailand showed a level of organisation not seen in Sunday’s 9-0 loss to DPR Korea.
They also looked to get forward where possible, but with Kanyanat isolated as the lone striker, a number of potentially dangerous raids broke down before adequate support could arrive.
The hosts earned a succession of corner kicks, before opening their account in the 29th minute, when Thailand central defender Tipkritta’s desperate attempt to stop Chen Yuanmeng from scoring resulted in an own goal.
Despite taking the lead, de Reus opted to make a tactical switch and replaced Shen with Wang Yanwen just before half-time, where the score remained 1-0.
China’s control of possession and territory went to a new level after the break, as did Thailand’s tenacity, with Phonphirun and Tipkritta kept busy as the Southeast Asians fought to keep their campaign alive.
Pantip saved a goal-bound Zhi Jie effort, before a last ditch tackle from Chaninat Maneechotes prevented what would have been a certain goal for Zhao Yujie, but the sense that a second goal would come was never far away.
It finally came in the 72nd minute, and it was worth waiting for, as midfielder Liu delightfully linked up with Chen before easing the ball past the exposed Pantip from close range.
The goal – Liu’s second for the tournament – was no less than the home side’s ascendency deserved, and gave them welcome breathing space as the match neared its conclusion.
Despite a number of further chances – including a post-rattling long range effort from Zhao – that’s where the scoring ended, as the hosts did enough to secure an important result.
Their next opponents are DPR Korea, in what looms as a likely group decider, while Thailand will play for pride against Uzbekistan.
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com