Mai Duc Chung’s side went ahead on the stroke of halftime thanks to Duong Thi Van’s header, but they failed to preserve their advantage until the final whistle, with Taneekarn Dangda heading home two minutes from stoppage time to secure a precious point for Thailand.
The defending champions headed into the match with strong determination, but it was the Thai team who played better in the first half and threatened to score three times, with Taneekarn, Kanyanat and Jaruwan hitting the woodwork in the 14th, 36th and 39th minute, respectively.
Vietnam also created two opportunities to open the scoring in the first 25 minutes, as Tuyet Dung placed a low shot that hit the post in the 15th minute before Huynh Nhu shot at keeper Waraporn in a one-on-one nine minutes later.
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Vietnam's Thai Thi Thao in action during the match. (Photo: Vnexpress)
As the first half seemed to be ending up goalless, Nguyen Thi Xuyen burst down the left wing and curled a cross into the centre of the box for Duong Thi Van to head home from close range to gift Vietnam a 1-0 lead into halftime.
After the break, Thailand strengthened their attacks seeking to tie up the score.
In the 51st minute, Vietnamese keeper Kim Thanh was forced to make a brilliant save from Kanyanat’s header at the far corner.
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Vietnamese goalie Kim Thanh plays a good game against Thailand. (Photo: Vnexpress)
Just one minute later, Thailand found the back of the net, with Phonphirun slotting in on a rebound. However, the goal was disallowed by the referee as the previous attempt by Warunee was offside.
With time running out, Vietnamese players worked hard to block the stormy offence from the opponents, but eventually could not defend their advantage, as Taneekarn heading Khwanrudi’s left-wing pass into the empty net to earn a valuable draw for Thailand.
With the result, the door to progress into the semifinals has opened widely for both teams as they only have to take down underdogs Indonesia in the next match to see them through.
Mai Duc Chung’s troops will play their remaining Group B match against Indonesia on November 29.
