The victory meant China PR finished third in the group with three points, while Thailand ended their Saudi Arabia 2025 campaign with three defeats. Uzbekistan finished top with victory over Saudi Arabia, as the Central Asian side collected nine points out of nine.
Both came into the showdown looking to end their respective campaigns on a high, having suffered defeats in their earlier two ties.
Thailand had lost 4-1 and 3-1 respectively to Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia, while China PR suffered 2-1 defeats to the same teams.
Left-winger Natthakit Phosri unleashed a curling effort just wide six minutes in as Thailand looked to maximise their early possession.
China PR, however, gradually grew into the game and began to dominate proceedings.
First, Wei Zijian directed a cross just wide off the mark, before Wei Xiangxin forced a near post save from Thailand goalkeeper Supakorn Poonphol midway through the half.
The lively Zijian was becoming more of a threat to the Thailand defence, sending another right-footed drive inches wide.
Poonphol was called into action again in the 28th minute, palming away Wathanyu Nairatsami’s shot for a corner as Thailand weathered the pressure to go into the break still on level terms.
GROUP A: THAILAND V CHINA PR
China PR continued to attack in the same vein after the restart, pegging Thailand deep in their own half and were rewarded for their persistence in the 56th minute when substitute Buniyaming Abudoushalamu was brought down in the penalty box.
The Evergrande Football School striker picked himself up to duly dispatch the spot-kick.
Two minutes later, Jiang Zhiqin doubled China PR’s advantage with a left-footed strike after the defender found himself unmarked in the penalty box.
The closest Thailand got to a goal was when Phosri saw his shot cleared off the line in the 83rd minute with China PR comfortably seeing off the remaining minutes to end their campaign on a winning note. afc/fir
