Paripan Wongsa struck twice to complete a remarkable turnaround as Thailand came from two goals down to beat Kyrgyzstan 3-2 in their opening Group A match in the 20th Asian Games men’s football tournament at Toyota Stadium in Japan on Wednesday.
Thailand lined up with Jehhanafee Mamah leading the attack, while Yotsakon Burapha began the match on the bench.
The Thais started on the front foot, going close through Chawanwit Sealao, whose effort was denied by a Kyrgyzstan defender before a second chance saw him drag his shot over the bar.
Thailand continued to dominate possession and should have taken an early lead through Thanakrit Chotmuangpak in the third minute, only for Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper Kurmanbek Nurlanbekov to keep the score level.
Against the run of play, Kyrgyzstan took the lead in the 23rd minute after a mix-up at the back. A long ball forward found Kimi Merk, whose shot was parried by Thai goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman, only for the rebound to fall to Kuduret Iskandarbekov, who steered the ball through the legs of Chanon Thamma and into the net to put Kyrgyzstan 1-0 ahead.
Thailand responded by pushing men forward in search of an equaliser, with Jehhanafee firing off target from a promising position.
Kyrgyzstan threatened again on the counter with a long ball forward, but the Thai defence recovered in time to clear the danger. Jehhanafee had one further sight of goal in the closing stages of the first half, again denied by the Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper, and Thailand went into the interval trailing 1-0.
Thailand made their first change of the match at the start of the second half, with Yotsakon Burapha replacing Pichitchai Sienkrathok.
The switch did little to arrest Kyrgyzstan’s momentum, however, and they doubled their lead in the 47th minute when Phon-ek Maneekon failed to clear his lines properly, allowing the ball to fall to Aitenir Balbakov, who fired home to make it 2-0.
Thailand hit back almost immediately. In the 55th minute, Thanakrit swung in a corner that was met by Jehhanafee, who headed home to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The comeback gathered pace as Thailand continued to press forward, and their pressure paid off in the 68th minute when Yotsakon squared the ball to Paripan, who curled a fine finish in from the right-hand side to draw the scores level at 2-2.
Four minutes later, Thailand completed the turnaround. Paripan struck again, this time driving forward on a solo run before finishing well to put Thailand 3-2 ahead.
Kyrgyzstan pushed for a late equaliser, but resolute Thai defending held firm, and Thailand held on to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory in their opening match of the tournament.
Thailand will next face Hong Kong on Sunday, while Kyrgyzstan take on hosts Japan on the same day.