LEBANON 1:2 THAILAND

WORLD CUP 2002 QUALIFYING GROUP 5 1st LEG  LEBANON

Report by: Football Asia

Thailand came back from being a goal behind to defeat Lebanon 2-1 in the nations’ vital Group Five World Cup qualifying match in Beirut on Thursday.

Sakesan Pituratana and Kiatisuk Senamuang gave the Thais the three points after an own goal by Surachai Jirasirachote had given Lebanon the lead after just nine minutes.

Surachai’s misfortunate came when Rida Antar floated a free-kick into the area and the defender put the ball past his own goalkeeper.

But within six minutes Sakesan had equalised and 12 minutes later Kiatisuk, who missed the last meeting of the two teams at the Asian Cup last year, claimed the victory for Thailand.

The win puts Thailand three points ahead of the Lebanese going into the second leg of the group, which will be played in Bangkok from May 26.

The day’s other fixture saw Pakistan come back from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Sri Lanka.