Thailand Extend Unbeaten Run With Goalless Draw Against Oman

DOHA, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- South East Asian champions Thailand extended their unbeaten run after holding Oman to a goalless draw in their second 2023 Asian Cup Group F match at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium here tonight.

Thailand have a good chance of qualifying for the second round and will meet three-time champions Saudi Arabia in their last group match on Thursday.

The Saudis are playing Kyrgyzstan in the other Group F match tonight, which will decide whether Thailand, with four points, remain at the top of the group.

Thailand and Oman were evenly matched in the first half of the game, with the Thais coming close to scoring through a header by defender Elias Dolah in the 16th minute, which was saved by Omani keeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini and cleared by midfielder Abdullah Fawaz.

Oman counterattacked in the 20th minute, with Thai keeper Patiwat Khammai having to block striker Issam Al Sabhi’s shot at goal, and a missed opportunity in the 31st minute when Fawaz’s shot ballooned high over their opponent’s goal.

In the second half, Oman, who lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in their opener on Tuesday, went on the offensive looking for a win, only to see Thailand’s Supachai Chaided header miss their goal in the 55th minute.

The game remained goalless till the final whistle even though Oman came close in the 72nd minute through Khalid Al Braiki and a strike by Omer Al Malki straight to keeper Patiwat in the 85th minute.

Oman, with their first point of the tournament, need to win against Kyrgyzstan on Thursday to have any chance of making it into the second round, while Thailand need only a draw against Saudi Arabia to advance.

-- BERNAMA