Co-hosts Thailand topped Asian Cup Group A after stunning Oman 2-0 in Bangkok on Thursday.

Substitute Pipat Tongkanya scored twice in the second half to put one foot of the hosts into the knock-out stage.

Thailand launched relentless attacks since the very beginning of the duel and got the reward on 70 minutes when Tongkanya stormed into the box and sent a nice right cross home.

In the 78th minute, in-form Tongkanya thrust into the box again to pick up a precise head pass. No hesitation, he made a low flash shot to seal the crucial victory for the hosts.

Thailand, who tied Iraq 1-1 in the tournament's opener on Saturday, collected four points and two-goal advantage to top the group so far.

Oman, who drew 1-1 with hot favorites Australia on Sunday, rarely looked dangerous in the match and created few opportunities.

In Group B, Sebastian Quintana salvaged a 1-1 draw for Qatar for the second straight game, heading home 11 minutes from time as the Middle Eastern side held co-hosts Vietnam at My Dinh Stadium.

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2007)