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Published on November 10, 2007

Having had to negotiate an unfamiliar high-altitude atmosphere in Sana'a, Yemen's capital which is situated around 2,300 metres above sea level, the Thai team were well aware that they were in for a tough match despite the hosts lying 136th in the world ranking.

The tough conditions were made even tougher with the sudden shift of temperature during the match.

However, coach Chanvit Pholchivin's men confounded the sceptics by sealing the result that appeared to put the team in a good position to make it through to the next round, considering that they will host the return fixture on November 18. Despite having to cope with the awkward bounce in the first half, Chanvit's side managed to take the lead through in-form striker Sarayoot Chaikamdee's 33rd-minute effort. However, the hosts quickly clawed themselves back into the game after star forward Ali al-Nono put them on level terms eight minutes later.

The Thai team looked more settled after the interval. Sarayoot spoiled a glorious chance to put the team back in front when his header inside

 the box failed to beat the goalkeeper. 

Tempers flared in the closing stages when a Yemen player was shown the red card following a second offence after he appeared to elbow substitute Teeratep Winothai. However, the Thais were unable to make their numerical advantage count and had to be content with a draw.

The Nation