Thailand prepared in style for their AFF Suzuki Cup Group B opener against co-hosts Singapore on Sunday by defeating New Zealand 2-0 on Tuesday night. This was the victorious team's last friendly before the elite ASEAN tournament starts this weekend.
Kiatisuk Senamuang's side, who defeated Philippines 3-0 on Nov. 9, scored a goal in both halves in the 80th Birthday Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima. Strikers Kirati Keawsombat and Adisak Kraisorn netted for the home team in the 44th and 77th minutes to extend New Zealand's winless run to nine matches.
Senamuang rested three key midfielders -- Chanathip Songkrasin, Charyl Chappuis and Adul Lasoh -- all of whom are carrying niggling injuries.
New Zealand began the game on a positive footing. Anthony Hudson's team threatened veteran goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan's goal inside the first 20 minutes with efforts from midfielder Bill Tuiloma and winger Marco Rojas.
Hudson replaced Rojas with Tim Payne after 30 minutes. But the All Whites kept up the pressure as Tuiloma -- who plays for Marseille in the French league -- fired over.
Thailand came back strong in the match taking the lead with a minute remaining ahead of the half time whistle. PTT Rayong striker Keawsombat did not miss the target from inside the area.
In the second half, the visitors struggled to make an impact as Thailand took control of the game.
In the 77th minute, Thailand doubled their lead. All Whites goalkeeper Jacob Gleeson parried a long-range effort, but the ball fell to BEC Tero Sasana forward Kraisorn, who made no mistake.
Thailand held on for the remainder of the game to head into the Suzuki Cup 'Group of Death' with renewed confidence. Thailand will lock horns with co-hosts and defending champions Singapore, 2010 champions Malaysia and dark horses Myanmar.