Ashgabat agony for Thailand

Chanathip blames turf for 3-1 defeat

- TOR CHITTINAND

Thailand went down to Turkmenistan 3-1 in a key qualification match for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup in Ashgabat on Tuesday night.

The victory saw hosts Turkmenistan open up a three-point lead at the top of the Group D standings, with a maximum of six points from two games.

Thailand are second with three points while Sri Lanka, who defeated Taiwan 3-1 in Colombo on Tuesday, are third with three as well.

Only the winners of the six groups in the qualifying tournament will join the 18 countries who have already qualified for the finals in Saudi Arabia.

The defeat in Ashgabat was pivotal as it came against a team seen as the War Elephants' main competition for the top spot in the group.