Malaysia win first game, top favourite Thailand held
An equaliser by Suchao Nutnum in the stoppage time saved Thailand from a defeat in their opening game of the Southeast Asian football championship/AFF…
Earlier, Nattaporn Phanrit came very close as his far post header hit the woodwork. The Thai players were kept at bay by excellent goalkeeper Aung Aung Oo, who made many good saves before going out due to an injury.
In another match, Malaysia beat underdogs Philippines 4-0 to go top Group A. Group B with co-host Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos will kick off on January 13.
Thailand coach Chanvit Polcheevin made some changes in their squad for the AFF championship in comparison with the squad won the King”s Cup in late December 2006. Goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool was recalled to replace goalkeeper Kitisak Rawangpa and Hadthporn Suwan occupied Nirut Surasiang”s position.
Nattaporn Phanrit came close twice in three minutes from 20th to 23rd. In his first attempt, Nattaporn”s far post header after Datsakorn Thonglao”s freekick hit the post before a Myanmar cleared the ball. In his second attempt, Nattaporn headed just wide.
Si Thu Win headed surprisingly in the opening after a long cross from rightback Min Thu. Si beat experienced centreback Niweat Siriwong in the air and gave host goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool no chances.
Goalkeeper Aung Aung Oo was the real hero of Myanmar as he made a series of good saves to keep the home side”s strikers at bay. He denied Datsakorn Thonglao”s freekick in the 37th minute. He then blocked an attempt by Suchao Nutnum before saved Kwanchai Fuengprakob”s powerful shot from the left edge of the box.
Minutes earlier, Aung”s quick action palmed away Zaw Lynn Tun”s header back. He made two attempts to deny another freekick from Thonglao, which deflected a Myanmar player.
After the break, the Thai side increased their pressure and Aung rushed in time to palm away a powerful strike from Suchao, who took the rebound after Aung”s beat Khwanchai Phuangprakob in the air.
However, Aung went out and was replaced by Kyaw Zin Htet as he got finger pains. It was a real blow for Myanmar as they had to defend their narrow lead.
Coach Chanvit brought on another striker Sorayoot Chaikamdee for Khwanchai to increase their attacking pressure.
However, it was Myanmar to create a clear opportunity. Si made a good run past Suwan and captain Kiatisuk Senamuang to release Yan Paing, who held off Suree Sukka and shot directly to goalkeeper Kosin.
The Thai side replied with Sutee Suksomkit, unmarked, shot over the bar, finishing off Kiatisuk”s precise cross.
Suchao equalised in the stoppage time with a shot from a close range after being fed by Sorayoot, who controlled the ball sensationally before producing a good pass for Suchao.
The draw was a disappointing result for three-time champions Thailand, who targeted a three victories to finish top in Group A after a disappointing results at the 2004 edition when they exited the group stage.
In another match, Malaysia got their 2007 AFF championship campaign off to a winning start with a 4-0 defeat of the Philippines, thanks to a double from Hairuddin Omar a second half strike from Nizarudin Yusof and an own goal from Anton Del Rosario.
This was the third victory of Malaysia over the Philippines in the AFF championship. They won 7-0 in the 1996 edition and 4-1 last tournament in Kuala Lumpur.
Nhan dan
