In the opening match at the Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday, Thailand beat Gabon 4-2 in the penalty shootout following the goalless draw in the regular time. Despite their efforts, none of the sides was able to make a successful attempt at scoring.
In the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Kawin Thamasatchanan was the hero as he denied the first two kicks from the Gabonese and secured a spot at the final for the Milovan Rajevac’s side.
Speaking to the reporters after the match, Kawin revealed his experience of playing in Europe.
“I was trying my best to focus on the penalty shootout. I’m very happy to save two penalty kicks, but we have to give all credit to the team, the staffs, and the supporters also,” he said.
“However, our mission has not been done yet. We have a very important game on Sunday and we want to win.
“I have played in Europe for just 2 months but I got a good spirit. It is not a Thai club so I have to fight other players who are better than me to secure a place in the squad. I have to deal with the pressure, too.”
In February, Kawin left Muangthong United to join OH Leuven in January on a five-year contract.
