It was a cagey start to the game with the first attempt only coming in the fourth minute when Khalid Mudhaya’s long range effort was caught by Thailand custodian Suriya Boridet.

Mudhaya was proving to be an influential figure for Saudi Arabia, his forceful run on the right in the sixth minute broke the deadlock, drawing in Suriya before squaring for Majed Shamhani for a simple tap-in.

Having found it difficult to penetrate Saudi Arabia’s defence in the early stages, Thailand did find the equaliser in the 11th minute when Natee Jeepon’s block on goalkeeper Mohammed Alajmi’s pass out sailed all the way over the Saudi Arabian custodian and into the net.

Thailand lived dangerously early in the second period when Natee’s decision to shield the ball allowed Waleed Al Youbi to sneak in but the former was able to breathe a sigh of relief as he saw the ball rolling just wide of the post.

Winning possession high up the opposing half in the 19th minute saw the ball rolling kindly for Ratthaphong Nadee, however, his fierce drive was pushed onto the post by Hassan Al Eid.

Thailand were not to be denied two minutes later, Suriya producing a rocket of an effort that had the Saudi Arabia net bulging and Al Eid grasping thin air as the hosts took the lead.

The third period was played at a furious pace and Saudi Arabia got themselves back on level pegging in the 27th minute, Shamhani showing individual brilliance to set himself up for a headed finish.

Quick thinking from Al Eid in the 31st minute restored Saudi Arabia’s lead when the goalkeeper’s long throw was headed into an unguarded goalmouth by Omar Kark.

Ratthaphong Nadee equalised for Thailand a minute later but Ahmed Al Hamami stepped up to blast home a free-kick in the 33rd minute to send Saudi Arabia through to the last four stage for the first time.