Thailand shocked defending champions Japan 3-1 in a dramatic final at the Ashgabat 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games women’s futsal gold medal match.
Thailand, who had won two silver and two bronze medals in previous editions of the Games, fired first in the 14th minute through Jiraprapa Nimrattanasing.
Both teams were unbeaten at Ashgabat 2017 and were evenly matched, but Japan stayed goalless at halftime.
After the break, Masanori Ito’s side answered back with a 35th minute goal from Akari Takao to level the score.
But Darika Peanpailun had other ideas as she shocked Japan a minute later with a goal to give Thailand a 2-1 lead.
Jenjira Bubpha put the tie to bed a minute before the final whistle to give Thailand their first gold in the tournament.
For Japan, their gold medal streak at the Games came to an end.
“I said before the tournament began we were the gold-diggers and now we have found gold. Finally we did it and it’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s indescribable. It’s been a long wait, too long, but now it is worth it,” said Thailand team manager Krisda Sajakul.
“We knew that a moment of recklessness could spoil it. But when Japan equalised we knew we could come back. We believed in our plans.”
