Thailand steals top seed in AFF Women's semis after silencing Filipinas

The Thais celebrate after scoring the game-winner against the Filipinas. PFF

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Thailand did not just book its own place in the AFF Women's Championship semifinals but also stole the top seed for Group A from the Philippines after sneaking in a 1-0 win that silenced most of the 2,923 people in attendance on Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Kanyanat Chetthabutr scored the marginal goal for the Thais in the 75th minute after a defensive lapse gave her an opportunity to head the ball past Olivia McDaniels.

That was Thailand's best attack in the match that saw the Filipinas actually pouring it on offensively and giving the Thai backline a run for their money.

Thailand will enter the semis as the only unbeaten team in Group A with four wins and one draw for 13 points even as it dealt the Filipinas their lone loss in the group stage after four straight wins that began with their opening night stunner over Australia.

The result also rendered Australia's 6-0 blast against Malaysia at the City of Imus Grandstand useless as the Matildas have been knocked out of playoff contention.

Had the Filipinas scored the win, Australia's rout would have been enough to clinch the Final 4 seat.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno