KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand are well-poised to crack their own record after demolishing Indonesia 4-0 in the first leg final of the 2020 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup Championship tonight.
Thailand have so far lifted the AFF Cup five times to make the War Elephants as the most successful team in the championship series.
In the match at Singapore National Stadium, team captain Chanathip Songkrasin displayed great form to score two goals, one in each half.
Chanathip gave the squad under coach Alexandre Polking a headstart in the second minute from a run on the right flank before he blasted from the left foot to beat goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata.
Indonesia countered attacked with several dangerous moves and almost found the equaliser but Alfeandra Dewangga who was unmarked in the penalty box floated the ball over the goal post.
Thailand held the 1-0 lead until the end of the first half before they came back after the half-time more energised and seven minutes into the second half, Chanathip doubled the score for the War Elephants with an emphatic goal in the 52nd minute.
Thailand continued to control the pitch and kept up the pressure before Supachok Sarachart found the net in the 67th minute just outside the penalty box.
The situation for the Indonesians became even more disastrous when Bordin Phala cracked the defence to slot in Thailand's fourth goal in the 83rd minute.
With 0-4 down, Indonesia would have a herculean task to reverse the position in the second final at the same venue on Sunday while Thailand are just one step away from celebrating their sixth AFF Cup title.
Thailand were champions in the inaugural AFF Cup in 1996 before sweeping up four more titles in the 2000, 2002, 2014 and 2016 editions.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Dec 29 2021
Thailand is well-poised to crack their own record after demolishing Indonesia 4-0 in the first leg final of the 2020 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup Championship tonight. - Facebook/AFF Suzuki Cup
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.