Turkmenistan's performance is not as strong as expected after their first-leg victory over Thailand ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying playoffs.
On 31 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Turkmenistan's national team performance is reviewed after their earlier win against Thailand in the first encounter, before the decisive final qualifying match for the 2027 Asian Cup third round, Group D, scheduled at 19:30 today.
The two teams previously met in this competition on 10 June last year, when Turkmenistan hosted and defeated Thailand 3-1 under coach Masatada Ishii, giving them an advantage in the race for a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup final tournament.
Turkmenistan's qualification condition is simple: a draw or win will secure their place in the finals, as they hold 12 points equal to Thailand but have the superior head-to-head record. Meanwhile, Thailand must win to advance to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
However, Turkmenistan has not won in four consecutive matches since their victory over Thailand that day. They only recently secured wins in their last two matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, as follows.
30 Aug 2025 (CAFA Nations Cup) Turkmenistan 1-1 Kyrgyzstan.
2 Sep 2025 (CAFA Nations Cup) Turkmenistan 1-2 Uzbekistan.
5 Sep 2025 (CAFA Nations Cup) Turkmenistan 1-2 Oman.
9 Oct 2025 (2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers) Sri Lanka 1-0 Turkmenistan.
14 Oct 2025 (2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers) Turkmenistan 2-1 Sri Lanka.
18 Nov 2025 (2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers) Turkmenistan 3-1 Chinese Taipei.
2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D matchday 6: Thailand vs Turkmenistan at Rajamangala National Stadium on 31 Mar 2026 GMT+7 at 19:30.
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