Penalty pain for misfiring Chaba Kaew

Thailand’s bid to reach the women’s football final at the 33rd SEA Games ended in heartbreak on Sunday night as they were beaten 4-2 on penalties by the Philippines after a tense 1-1 draw at Chonburi Stadium.

- TOR CHITTINAND

The defeat sends the Chaba Kaew into a bronze-medal playoff against Indonesia tomorrow.

Head coach Nuengrutai Sratongviang admitted the result was difficult to accept, particularly after Thailand had led deep into the second half.

“We're disappointed at not holding the lead, and we still haven’t seen the replay of the penalty incident,’ she said. “But it’s part of the game. We had chances in extra time but couldn’t finish them, and penalties are always unpredictable.

“T'm proud of the players who stepped up — they were brave and confident”

She urged her squad to regroup quickly before their match against Indonesia.