DOHA: Supachai Chaided scored both of Thailand’s goals in a 2-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in the Asian Cup on Tuesday.

Supachai struck in each half in the Group ‘F’ game at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

Thailand dominated and could have scored twice early on when Supachok Sarachat hit the post and Suphanat Mueanta had an effort come off the crossbar.

Supachai made his team’s dominance count in the 26th minute when he converted a rebound after Bordin Phala’s shot was saved by Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotaev.

Supachai scored his second three minutes after the break with another close-range finish as Kyrgyzstan struggled to deal with a cross into the box.

In Monday’s late game, Jordan crushed Malaysia 4-0 — the thumping victory moving them to the top of Group ‘E’ — above South Korea who beat Bahrain 3-1 earlier in the day.

Jordan’s Mahmoud Al-Mardi put his hand up for an early contender for goal of the tournament when the winger gave his side the lead with a shot from outside the box that floated over the keeper and into the top corner at the far post.

Musa Al-Taamari doubled their lead from the spot after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Yazan Al-Naimat following a VAR review while Al-Mardi made it 3-0 when he scored his second from a tap-in after being set up by Yazan Al-Naimat.

Al-Taamari grabbed his second when he lobbed the keeper in the 85th minute to complete the rout.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2024