Thailand secured their first trip to a Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 win over host Vietnam at the Women’s Asian Cup, joining Australia, China PR, Japan, and Korea Rep as the AFC’s representatives.

Anticipation was high in Ho Chi Minh City as Vietnam were favourites in the fifth place match. But two goals from Kanjana SUNG-NGEON in the first twenty minutes of the second half were enough to send the Thai squad through to next year’s tournament. Nguyen Thi TUYET DUNG scored on a blistering shot from distance in the 86th minute, but Vietnam could find no equaliser.

Thailand head to Canada as the seventh AFC side all time to compete in a Women’s World Cup. In addition to this year’s four Asian Cup semifinalists, Chinese Taipei and Korea DPR have also qualified previously.