After suffering a painful 1-0 defeat at the hands of North Korea in the opening match a fortnight ago, Thailand bounced back with a gritty performance to put their campaign back on track with a quick-fire goal from star striker Teeratep "Leesaw" Winothai.

The result means Thailand are lying in the third place with three points from two matches, with Iraq topping the standings on goal difference after they drew 2-2 with North Korea in the group's other match.

Trouble struck Prapol's side ahead of the game with three key players, including centre-back Kiartprawut Saiwaew, laid low with symptoms of diarrhoea in the morning. However, the three recovered in time to figure in the line-up which saw only one change from the side that lost against North Korea, with Warut Wongdee coming into midfield.

Knowing nothing less than a victory against the hosts, who are considered the weakest in the group, would boost their chances of making it to the final qualifying round, Thailand went on the front foot from the opening whistle and did not have to wait long for the breakthrough.

In the eighth minute, Piyachat Thamapan delivered a teasing cross from the left side to Leesaw who saw his first attempt blocked by the goalkeeper before tapping in the rebound.

Thailand kept their momentum and seven minutes later came close to extending their advantage when Leesaw was put clear towards the goal only to send his shot straight at the goalie.

Despite controlling the proceedings for the rest of the game, the Thais could not put the result out of the hosts' reach. Had the opposition been stronger than that provided by the Indians, Thailand might have been left to rue their missed chances.

Prapol Pongpanich's side will next face Iraq at a neutral venue in Jordan on March 28.

Meanwhile, midfielder Ahmad Alzugheir hammered a 30-yard equaliser as Jordan snatched a dramatic late 1-1 draw with Australia in their Asian zone Olympic qualifier at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide yesterday.

Kristian Sarkies looked like he had clinched victory for the Australians with his finish off a Bruce Djite pass in the 58th minute.

But Alzugheir produced a thunderbolt drive into the top of the net for Jordan in the 86th minute to grab their first point in the group.

CL Cup in Kingdom soon

nUefa Champions League fever is gripping the Kingdom. Thai Asia Pacific Brewery, one of the sponsors of the event, is raising the mercury by bringing the trophy to Thailand.

The world's top club tournament has reached a pitch with the quarter-finals due on April 3 and 4, and three English teams are trying to reach the final in Athens.

Thai fans will have the rare chance to see the trophy up close when it is displayed at CentralWorld in Bangkok on March 31 and April 1 from 12am to 10pm and at Central Festival's Promotion Hall in Pattaya on April 6-8 from 12am to 10pm.