Hosting UAE on Thammasat stadium on the fourth matchday on October 15, chief coach Akira Nishino suddenly benched key player Supachai Jaided and gave young player Ekanit Panya a start.With home advantage, the “War Elephants” deployed relentless attacks, which surprised UAE.

 Thailand’s good ball possession constantly threatened Khalid Eisa’s net. Teerasil Dangda seized an opportunity and scored a header, which was Thailand’s opening goal at the 26th minute.

Thailand slowed down after their first goal and UAE dominated that game with dangerous attacks. Ali Mabkhout equalized the scoring for UAE side in the extra time, closing the first half 1-1.

In the second half, Thailand played attacking football and UAE finally wilted under pressure and let  Thailand’s Ekanit Panya pick up the second goal at the 52th minute.

UAE managed to control the game but they could not break Thailand’s solid counter-attack. The Thais  neutralized all the threats and created many dangerous situations inside the box. However, no more goal was scored. Thailand won 2-1 over UAE.

After three games, Thailand leads Group G with seven points and are ahead of Vietnam on goal difference.