Teerasil doubles up as Thailand and Indonesia reach semi-finals

The Thais sealed top spot in Group A as Teerasil Dangda scored twice for the hosts in Pathum Thani to secure a 3-1 win over the Cambodians while Indonesia took second spot with a 2-1 victory against the Azkals in Manila.

Teerasil gave Mano Polking’s side the lead when he struck a penalty into the top corner two minutes into first-half injury time and Sumanya Purisai doubled the advantage five minutes after the restart with a side-foot finish from eight yards.

Sieng Chanthea pulled one back for Cambodia as he cut on to his left foot to score in the 68th minute but Teerasil made the points safe in injury time when he scored from the edge of the area.

The Thais topped the standings on goal difference from Indonesia after both nations finished the group phase with 10 points from four matches.

Indonesia took a two-goal lead into the halftime break with Dendi Sulistyawan heading Pratama Arhan’s long throw past Anthony Pinthus in the 21st minute and Marselino Ferdinan adding the second two minutes before the interval.

Sebastian Rasmussen headed in Stephan Schrock’s lofted ball seven minutes from time to earn the Philippines a consolation as the Azkals exited the competition.

The semi-final line-up will be completed on Tuesday when Group B leaders Vietnam will take on Myanmar while second placed Malaysia host Singapore, with matches to be played on a home-and-away basis on Jan. 6 and 9.

The final of the regional tournament will also be played over two legs, with games to be held on Jan. 13 and 16.