Hohhot Stadium: The Thai women's futsal team emerged victorious against Japan with a 3-1 win, securing the Group C championship and advancing to the last 8 of the 2025 AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup.
According to Thai News Agency, Thailand, ranked 5th in the world, faced off against Japan, ranked 10th, in what proved to be a decisive match for the group championship. Prior to this match, Thailand had accumulated four points from a win against Bahrain and a draw with Indonesia, while Japan had a perfect record with six points from two consecutive wins. Both teams had already secured advancement to the next round, making this match crucial for determining the group champion.
Coach Thanathorn Santhanaprasit, also known as "Coach O," strategically selected Sasiprapa Suksane as the goalkeeper, alongside players Jenjira Bubpha, Ariya Sae-Ten, Nathamon Ajkla, and Darika Phianphailun to start the match. The game commenced with Japan pressing early, but the Thai goalkeeper, Sasiprapa Suksane, successfully thwarted an attempt by Japan's Sara Oino in the 4th minute.
Thailand countered with a near-scoring opportunity in the 12th minute, as Patitta Moonpho set up Praeploy Huajaiphet for a shot that was saved by Japanese goalkeeper Nene Inoue. Japan continued to press in the 17th minute, but once again, Sasiprapa Suksane made a crucial save. The first half concluded without any goals, despite Japan being awarded a penalty from a sixth foul, which was saved.
The match took an intense turn in the second half. Japan scored the opening goal in the 26th minute through Anna Amishiro. However, Thailand quickly responded in the same minute with an equalizer from Darika Phianphailun. The momentum shifted in Thailand's favor in the 29th minute when Praeploy Huajaiphet scored to give them a 2-1 lead. Huajaiphet further extended the lead in the 33rd minute with her second goal, sealing the 3-1 victory for Thailand.
With this win, Thailand advanced as Group C champions, while Japan moved forward as runners-up. In a separate Group C match, Indonesia defeated Bahrain 5-1. Thailand's next challenge in the tournament will be against Hong Kong, ranked 29th in the world, in the quarterfinals set to take place at Hohhot Stadium on May 13, 2025.