Thailand hammer Malaysia 4-1 to finish third in futsal meet

PETALING JAYA: Thailand defeated hosts Malaysia 4-1 to finish third in the inaugural AFC Women’s Futsal Championship.

The Malaysians found the Thais too hot to handle despite going in front through Masturah Majid in the 11th minute at the Nilai Indoor Stadium in Nilai on Saturday.

It did not take long for the Thais to hit back as they punished Malaysia’s sloppy defending with goals from Mamyalee Sawitree (13th), Hataichanok Tappakun (15th), Darika Peanpailun (21st) and an own goal by Nur Shazreen Munazli (34th).

Malaysia, coached by Chew Chun Yong, opened their campaign brightly, beating Uzbekistan 9-4 for their first-ever win in an Asian-level tournament. They then defeated Hong Kong 4-1 before losing 4-2 to Iran in their final group match. In the semi-finals, there were outclassed by Japan 8-1.

Iran were crowned champions after they defeated Japan 1 - 0 in the final. Fereshteh Karimi scored the winner in the eighth minute.