The Iranians seized control from the start of the match to deny Thailand a maiden title as the Central Asian side made up for losing to Japan in the decider of the 2022 edition, reports the Bangkok Post.
Iran head coach Vahid Shamsaei said after the match: “I remember the day we lost the 2022 final against Japan. I had to apologise to everyone.
“Today, I’m happy that they stayed patient with me and I want to dedicate this trophy to everyone back home.”
Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo felt his side could have done better. “I’m very sad for the Thailand fans, but at the same time, we lost to a superior team,” he said.
Iran scored their goals through Mahdi Karimi, Saeid Ahmad Abbasi, Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh and Mohammadi, while Jirawat Sornwichian scored Thailand’s only goal of the match.
The Thai team reached the final after they edged Tajikistan 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out after their semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mark in Bangkok last Friday (Apr 26).
Narongsak Wingwon scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out to secure Thailand’s third final.
It was a heartbreak for Tajikistan, who led twice in their maiden appearance in the semi-finals but couldn’t repel Thailand’s incessant attacks.
Missing suspended stars Apiwat Chaemcharoen and Muhammad Osamanmusa, the Thais remained in control and their patience was rewarded in the 13th minute when Worasak Srirangpirot provided the finishing touches to a good move to put the home side ahead.
Tajikistan clawed their way back with just seconds left before half-time with Dilshod Salomov drilling home a grounded effort.
Tajikistan took the lead four minutes into the second half when Fayzali Sardorov crossed the ball to set up to Bahodur Khojaev for a close range finish, and the duo combined once again to make it 3-1 for Tajikistan.
Thailand pulled one back in the 30th minute when Alongkorn Janphon guided a rebound into the net before Therdsak Charoenphong levelled the score with two minutes left to force the game into extra-time.
No goal was added in the extra time, leading to the penalty shoot-out.
Iran had beaten Uzbekistan in a penalty shoot-out 5-4 after both teams finished tied 3-3 after extra time in their semi-final encounter.