Supachai Chaided was Thailand’s hero as his brace helped the Changsuek to a 2-0 win over Kyrgyzstan in Tuesday’s 2023 AFC Asian Cup match at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
With fellow ASEAN sides Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia losing their Asian Cup openers, the onus was on Thailand – arguably the top dogs of the region – to salvage some pride by clinching all three points against a Kyrgyz side making only their second appearance in the tournament.
Thailand quickly settled into the game, and Nicholas Mickelson’s effective play on the right side led to a chance for Supachok Sarachat in the 14th minute. However, Supachok’s shot hit the post, and Supachai’s attempt to score from the rebound was disallowed for offside.
Eight minutes later, Kyrgyzstan faced another threat when Supachok’s clever flick set up his brother Suphanat Mueanta, but the powerful shot from the OH Leuven forward hit the crossbar. Thailand persevered and finally found the net in the 26th minute when Bordin Phala, released down the left side, cut inside and unleashed a curling shot from 25 yards. The ball was parried by Erzhan Tokotaev into the path of Supachai, who scored with a simple finish.
In the closing minutes of the first half, Kyrgyzstan showed some improvements, with Zhyrgalbek Uluu Kairat attempting a ground shot from outside the box, which goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai easily claimed.
The second half began with Thailand maintaining confidence, almost doubling their lead within two minutes as Theerathon Bunmanthan’s long pass found Suphanat, but Tokotaev made an impressive one-handed save. The second goal soon followed when Kyrgyzstan struggled to deal with Mickelson’s cross, resulting in the ball hitting ex-Persita Tangerang defender Tamirlan Kozubaev and providing Supachai with an easy tap-in for his second goal of the night and third in the AFC Asian Cup.
Despite Kyrgyzstan’s efforts, the closest they came to narrowing the gap was in the 52nd minute when Joel Kojo blasted his close-range effort over the bar. Thailand eventually held on and claimed all three points, only their third win in the Asian Cup.
Tuesday’s other action saw Saudi Arabia edging out Oman 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium.