Thailand beat Ghana 3-1 at the Hero FIH Hockey World League Round 2 (Women)

New Delhi, 08 March 2015: The seventh match of the Hero FIH Hockey World League Round 2 (Women) saw Ghana taking on Thailand at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. It was an important match for both the teams as each wanted to add a win to their account post their respective loss yesterday in the opening day of the Hero FIH Hockey World League Round 2 (Women). With good stick work, clean passes and continuous pressure on Ghana, Thailand won the match 3-1.

Five minutes into the game Thailand got their first penalty corner but were unable to capitalise. 14th minute, Malaysia’s persuasive attack paid off as they were awarded with another penalty corner and this time Chantree Yungyuen did not make a mistake in finding the nets. The score at the end of the quarter was 1-0 with Thailand leading.

Second quarter Thailand tried to double their lead over Ghana and kept the pressure on the opponents. Just seconds left for the first half to end Ghana had a chance when Rachael Bamfo standing at the D tried to get the ball past the goalkeeper but was denied the goal and she tried to score on the rebound but the Thailand goalie was ready to yet again avert the danger. With no goals scored in the second quarter the first half score stood at 1-0 in favor of Thailand.

Straight into the third quarter Thailand doubled its lead in the 32nd minute as Kornkanok Sanpoung made no mistake in converting the pass by hitting the ball hard past the goalkeeper. Next minute Ghana charged into the D of Thailand and opened its account through the stick of Georgina Sam taking the score to 1-2. With the goal, Ghana increased its attack and kept the pressure on Thailand’s defence but was unable to convert the opportunities in the rest of the session. With the end of third quarter Thailand was leading the game 2-1.

Half way into the fourth quarter, Thailand was awarded with a penalty stroke but Thailand failed to convert as the Ghana goalie saved. Seconds left for the game to end Thailand converted the penalty corner coming from the stick of Chantree Yungyue, taking the score to 3-1 and giving Thailand the first win of the tournament.

Commenting post the game Osei Boakye-Yiadom, Coach, Ghana said “The team performed better today though we still need to improve and come back strong in the next game.”

Speaking on the team’s performance, Thailand Coach Jongjit Boonmee said “It was a good match and a good win. Yesterday because of the rain we could not perform as per capability. Today we showcased our strength. We have a strong mid-field and were better with our penalty corner’s set pieces”.

HI Press release