Alkass Digital
Manuchehr Safarov’s header in added time secured a 1-0 victory for Tajikistan over Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ tie at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday.
The win, however, was not enough to take Tajikistan through as they finished third, with Iraq taking top spot after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the other Group C tie.
Both teams were in desperate need of the three points and started with high intensity, with Tajikistan creating the first chance of the match with Amadoni Komolov sending in a cross into the area but it was just a little too high for Abdullo Sharipov to connect.
Tajikistan pressed relentlessly with Komolov, Sharipov and Manuchehr Safarov spearheading their efforts but were continuously denied by Thailand’s compact defence.
Thailand, opting to play on the counter attack, struggled to create any significant chances as Tajikistan were quick to neutralise potential threats.
Mubin Ergasev’s Tajikistan, however, found Thirawooth Sruanson a stumbling block, with the Thailand keeper making crucial saves to deny Safarov and Mehron Madaminov in the 35th and 37th minutes respectively.
A more aggressive Thailand emerged in the second half, with Erawan Garnier registering their first shot on goal in the 48th minute, before Natcha Promsomboon also tested goalkeeper Safarmad Ghaforov two minutes later.
The Southeast Asians should have taken the lead in the 52nd minute when Teerasak Poeiphimai’s run into the box created a prime opportunity for Promsomboon to finish, but his tame shot posed no challenge for Ghaforov.
Tajikistan, still controlling the lion’s share of possession, came close in the 71st minute when Shahrom Samiev beat the offside trap and drew Sruanson out of position, but the ‘keeper recovered quickly to deny the substitute.
The match continued to swing back and forth with Thailand substitute Settasit Suvannaseat threatening moments later, but his attempt from an acute angle sailed just wide of the goal.
As news of Iraq taking the lead against Saudi Arabia in the other Group C match, Thailand pressed forward more aggressively with Suvannaseat nearly breaking the deadlock in the 87th minute but his strike from point-blank range was denied by the fingertips of Ghaforov.
Tajikistan’s persistence finally paid off in added time when Safarov rose high to head home a precise cross from Komolov, but it was not enough as it only secured them a third-place finish in the group with Thailand also eliminated.