PHNOM PENH – Malaysia suffered their first defeat in two matches when they lost 2-0 to Thailand in Group B of men’s football at the SEA Games, played at the Prince Stadium here today.
Thailand, who have won the most gold medals in SEA Games football, scored through substitutes Anan Yodsangwal and Yotsakon Burapha in the second half to deal a setback to coach E. Elavarasan’s Harimau Muda.
In the match played under sweltering conditions with temperatures hitting 39°C, Malaysia had the better share of early exchanges before Thailand started showing their mettle in the 15th minute.
The Ithsara Sritharo-guided Thais served an early warning by mounting an incursion into the penalty box, forcing defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar to throw himself to the ground in an attempt to prevent Bukkoree Lemdee’s low shot from hitting the net.
Thailand continued to probe at the Malaysian defence and made it difficult for Elavarasan’s charges to string their moves until the half-time whistle, and the pressure persisted in the second half.
Goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman pulled off a brilliant save with his legs to block a shot from Teerasak Poeiphimai off a corner kick in the 61st minute.
However, Thailand found the goal they were searching for in the 73rd minute after Anan slipped through the Malaysian defence and latched onto a pass from Channarong Promsrikaew to drive a low shot past Sikh Izhan.
The goal clearly fired up the Thais while Malaysia seemed lost, and a mistake by substitute Adam Farhan Mohd Faizal was jumped upon by Thailand to launch a counter-attack for the second goal by Yotsakon.
The defeat has not dashed Malaysia’s semi-final hopes but has made their task harder as they will be playing defending champions Vietnam and Singapore in their two remaining matches.
In Group B, Vietnam and Thailand lie first and second with six points while Malaysia are third with three points and Singapore and Laos are both at the bottom without any points.
Malaysia will meet Vietnam on Monday before winding up their group stage against Singapore on May 11, with both matches to be played here. – Bernama, May 6, 2023
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