Chaba Kaew coach 'satisfied' despite loss

Chaba Kaew coach 'satisfied' despite loss

The Philippines' Jessika Cowart, No.26, in action against Thailand. (AFP photo)
The Philippines' Jessika Cowart, No.26, in action against Thailand. (AFP photo)

Thailand coach Miyo Okamoto said she was satisfied with her team's overall performance at the AFF Women's Championship although the Chaba Kaew were thrashed 3-0 by the hosts Philippines in the final on Sunday.

The Philippines completed their ascent to the top of the Asean women's championship at Manila's Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Having lost 1-0 to the Thais in the group stage, the Filipinas got off to a fast start in the final when defender Jessika Cowart bulldozed her way to the front before heading home the first goal just seven minutes into the match.

Katrina Guillou then gave the hosts a 2-0 lead before half-time.

Sarina Bolden hammered the final nail in the coffin with a header in the 88th minute.

The margin could have been bigger if not for the goaltending heroics of Thailand's Chotmanee Thongmongkol, who was kept busy all night by the hosts.

"Overall, our players did well. I am satisfied with our athletes' performances in the tournament," said Okamoto, whose team also lost to hosts Vietnam in the SEA Games final in May.

"The Philippines did better in the final."

Thailand's next major tournament is the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2023 World Cup in February.

For the Philippines under Australian coach Alen Stajcic, this was their latest achievement.

They sealed their first ever Fifa Women's World Cup berth with their semi-final finish in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in February.

They also finished third at the SEA Games.

"We've conquered Southeast Asia but I know there are big mountains ahead. It is a big hill to climb and there are bigger challenges ahead of us," said Stajcic after Sunday's match.

Four bid to host Aisan Cup

Australia, South Korea, Qatar and Indonesia are bidding to stage the 2023 men's Asian Cup after China withdrew citing the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Asian Football Confederation said yesterday a decision is expected in October.

China pulled out in May as the host of the 24-team competition as it pursues a zero-Covid policy.

Thailand are one of the 24 finalists.

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