Thailand win but Malaysia still advance

Co-host Thailand made four changes in their starting XI. They welcomed back veteran skipper Kiatisuk Senamuang, replacing Pipat Thonkanya, to partner Sorayoot Chaikamdee in the forward line. In the defensive line, Niweat Siriwong returned after his absence in the match against the Philippines. He went in for Choketawee Promrut as centreback. Nathapong Samana, who came off the bench to score the fourth goal against the Philippines, was given a chance to start for the time in the tournament. He came for sidelined Nattaporn Phanrit. Pichitpong Choeichew replaced new young star Datsakorn Thonglao, who produced an unimpressive performance in the first two games of Thailand.

Meanwhile, Malaysia made only one change in their starting with Eddy Helmi Manan coming for V Thirumurugan.

The Thais needed a draw to go through but they showed great determination to win the game, making a revenge for their 2-1 defeat to co-hosts Malaysia of the 2004 edition, which knocked them out for the first time in the group stage, and a 3-1 defeat in the 2002 tournament.  

However, the Thais had to wait until the 19th minute to have the first clear chance. Skipper Kiatisuk came close, shooting just centimetres over the bar after Sorayoot”s headed a back-pass.

The hosts” pressure was so heavy that the Malaysians had to play deeply and they produced their first shot, just over the bar, after half an hour.

Five minutes later, Hairruddin Omar had a clear chance but headed the ball slightly to goalie Kosin Hathairattanakool. The Thai keeper, seconds later, had to work hard to deny a low near post shot by Khyril Zambri.  

One minute from half-time, a clever pass from Kiatisuk released Sorayoot, who missed the target, lobbing the ball wide, when he had only Malaysian goalkeeper Mohamad Syamsuri Mustafa to beat.

Three minutes into the second half, Sorayoot, who is playing for Vietnamese club PISICO Binh Dinh, headed home the opener after a good cross from rightback Suree Sukka, whose superb run down to the right flank met Suchao Nutnum”s clever pass.

Skipper Kiatisuk came very close as he shot against the bar with a freekick outside the penalty box.

Even though the Malaysians needed a victory or at least a draw to keep their hope alive, they were unable to launch attacks on the Thai defence. Instead, they had to defend from attacks of the hosts. Sorayoot produced a good-looking bicycle kick after a precise cross Kiatisuk, which went just over the bar just 12 minutes from time.

Unable to get close to Kosin”s goal, the Malaysians opted to try their luck with distance shots, which flew wide.

The Thais made their revenge for their 2-1 defeat almost two years ago. Sorayoot”s winner meant the Thais went top of Group A and Myanmar needed a minimal victory to go through, but they failed to break the deadlock and were held to a 0-0 draw.

The Thais now play runners-up of Group B, final games of which will take place in Singapore on January 17, in the semi-finals, while Malaysia face leaders of Group B.

Group A

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