BINAN, Philippines–Thailand banked on a late brace from Suphanat Mueanta to eliminate Laos from playoff contention in Group B play of the Southeast Asian Games men’s football competition at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Tuesday night.
Just when everyone thought both teams will settle for a goalless draw, Mueanta struck one for Thailand in the 90th minute, and in the fourth minute of stoppage time, he sealed Thailand’s win with another goal.
The win momentarily forced a tie between Thailand and Vietnam for the top spot in Group B with nine points each.
However, Vietnam will see action later Wednesday against Singapore with an opportunity to regain solo first place.
Also, Indonesia has a chance to at least tie Thailand again as it will take on Brunei in a match that will simultaneously start with the Singapore-Vietnam match at the Binan Football Stadium here.