In the decisive match to decide the team classifications before the semi-finals on July 11 , the game was evenly fought at the start as Australia - represented by their Under-20 - side matched the Thais blow for blow.
After Princess Megan Isei missed with a grounder in the 10th minute, Australia seemed to take a back seat as Thailand grew in confidence.
The presence of the combative Suchawadee Nildhamrong made the difference at the centre of the park when she created two good opportunities – the first was a stiff grounder that narrowly missed the target while the second was a cross that she should have gotten to.
With the score tied at half-time, the game finally came alive in the 50th minute when Silawan Intamee gave Thailand the lead off a free-kick from Kanjana Sung-Ngoen.
A three-minute blitz saw Thailand adding to the scoreline with Kanjana slamming in all three goals with the first goal off Suchawadee providing a cross.
The hat-trick was nailed off a solo effort when Kangana ran past her marker to beat Australian keeper Jada Mathyssen.
However, Australia managed to drag themselves back into contention with their first goal coming in the 86th minute with a penalty from Alexandra Chidiac before Kyra Cooney-Cross added the second right at the end.
“We have accomplished our target, but we need to fix some mistakes from the closing stages of the game,” said Thailand head coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian.
Australia coach Leah Blayney was satisfied despite the defeat.
“It’s about the mental strength of our team today. The Thai team scored four goals and then we had two goals. It was not easy for us against the Thailand team who played well, since they are playing with the senior squad,” said Blayney.
Malaysia completed their fixtures with a 4-0 win over Timor Leste.
Both teams were already out of contention for places in the next round going into the match.
Malaysia scored through Jaciah Jumilis in the 14th minute, Sihaya Ajad (19th), Norsuriani Mazli (68th) and Usliza Usman (81st).
Results
Group A
Timor Leste 0 Malaysia 4
Thailand 4 Australia 2
Fixtures
July 9
Group B (Local time)
Indonesia vs Philippines (16:00)
Vietnam vs Myanmar (19:00)
Sources: aseanfootball.org, Football Association of Indonesia
Source: the-afc.com