Malaysia-Thailand final on the cards

KUALA LUMPUR: The prospect of Malaysia meeting defending SEA Games champions Thailand remain on the cards after both topped their respective groups to meet second placed teams from both groups in the semifinals scheduled on Saturday.

Malaysia as Group A champions will meet Group B runner-up Indonesia while Thailand as Group B champion take on sMyanmar who finished second in Group A in men’s football.

Thailand who had started their campaign in uncertain fashion, picked up momentum in the last two matches, especially in the match against Vietnam at the Selayang Stadium yesterday, to move into the semifinals while Indonesia clinched their berth ahead of Vietnam after beating Cambodia 2-0 at the Sham Alam Stadium.

The win against Vietnam gave Thailand 13 points while Indonesia made it with 11 points compared with Vietnam who finished with 10 points in Group B while Malaysia and Myanmar were clear winners in Group A with 12 and 9 points respectively.

Malaysia last won the SEA Games gold medal at the 2011 Palembang edition after beating Indonesia but have yet to face Thailand in the SEA Games final since 2001 when Malaysia incidentally hosted the SEA Games.

Malaysia who lost 0-1 to Thailand when Malaysia hosted the SEA Games in 2001, will have an opportunity to avenge that defeat in the KL2017, provided both make it to the final.