AFF WOMEN’S: Stage set for U20 Australia-Thailand clash  

Following from today’s high scores with 20 goals shared, the stage is set for the Under-20 Australia and Thailand clash to decide the group winners and the runners-up team to make the passage to the next round from Group A.

The U20 Australian pounded Cambodia 12-0 while defending champions Thailand blasted Malaysia 8-0 in the second match of the evening at the Bumi Sriwijaya Stadium.

After today’s results, U20 Australia are at the top of Group A with 28 goals while Thailand are a rung lower with just a single goal lesser.

Both teams have picked up the same nine points from three matches played.

It was a fabulous Fowler show this afternoon in the U20 Australia-Cambodia tie as the lanky forward led her country slammed in five goals – all in the first half to lead over Cambodia 8-0 at the break.

Had not Mary Boio Fowler been replaced at the half by Princess Megan Isei, she would have surely added to her tally of eight goals so far in the competition.

The young Australian side came out with all guns firing as Fowler’s double in the tenth and 12^th minute set the pace for the remainder of the match.

Fowler went on to score three more goals in the 18^th, 25^th and 31^st minute.

The remainder of the Young Matildas goals were scored off a hat trick from Melindaj Barbieri (44^th, 57^th and 87^th minute), Bethany Kate Gordon (14^th), Holly Christina McNamara (29^th), Princess (69^th) and Alexandra Carla Chidiac (92^nd).

In the meantime, Thailand faced little difficulties against minnows Malaysia when they blasted the latter 8-0 in the final game of the evening.

The Thais, who will be playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next year, utilised several positional changes as head coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian aimed to give variety to their attacking options.

Midfielder and captain Sunisa Srangthaisong played deeper down the left while Orathai Srimanaee had a more free playing role.

But even then, the Malaysian girls could not cope with the strength and presence of Suchawadee Nildhamrong at the centre of the park as she used her physical strength to full effect.

Sudarat Chuchuen (4^th and 71st), Orathai Srimanee (32^nd and 47^th) and Pitsamai Sornsai (75^th and 90^th) all grabbed two goals each while the remainder were scored by Kanjana Sung-Ngoen (15^th) and Suchawadee Nildhamrong (36^th). 

AFF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP

RESULTS – Group A

Australia 10 Cambodia 0

Malaysia 0 Thailand 8

FIXTURES – All matches at Jaka Baring Stadium

7 July 2018 – Group B

1600: Myanmar vs Singapore

1900: Philippines vs Vietnam

Table Standings

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