Thai-ed down

Reality bites Malaysia after heavy defeat by host

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia were brought back down to earth after suffering a 30 loss to heavyweights Thailand in their penultimate Group H match of the 2018 AFC Under23 Championship qualifiers.

Thailand skipper Chenrop Samphaodi struck a firsthalf brace (25th and 45th+4) before Phicha UTra added the third in the 87th minute at the Supachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok last night.

This has left Malaysia with a mustwin match against Mongolia tomorrow.

Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s men, who started their qualifying campaign with a 30 win over Indonesia on Thursday, were without two injured players – firstchoice goalkeeper Mohd Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim (hamstring) and striker Syafiq Ahmad (groin) – against Thailand.

Kim Swee replaced Ifwat with Amierul Hakimi Awang and reshuffled his outfield players by bringing in wingback Syahmi Safari and moving midfielder Syazwan Andik into attack with Jafri Firdaus Chew and N. Thanabalan.

His gamble failed as the Thais, who were held to a 11 draw by Mongolia on Thursday, dominated the match right from the start.

The Malaysian players looked tired after their exertions over Indonesia and had no answer to the Thais’ highpressing game. This saw them concede two goals in similar fashion.

On both occasions, goalkeeper Amierul failed to gather the ball following attempts by Thai players. This allowed the lurking Chenrop to tuck in the rebound.

Malaysia played better in the second half as they tried to get back into the game as Thailand sat on their twogoal cushion and relied on counterattacks.

The Thais sealed victory when substitute Phicha outran the tiring Malaysian defenders from the halfway line for a glorious solo goal.

Despite the defeat, Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2018 AFC Under23 Finals are still alive.

All 10 group winners will qualify automatically for the Finals in China from Jan 927, 2018 and the five best runnersup will advance as well.

Thailand top Group H with four points while Malaysia and Indonesia have three points each, but Kim Swee’s men are second based on headtohead record. Mongolia prop up the group with one point.

Tomorrow, Malaysia will take on Mongolia while Indonesia will meet Thailand.

— NUR RIDZUAN / www.asiana.my Let’s dance: Thailand’s Chenrop Samphaodi (No. 9 jersey) celebrating his goal with a team-mate after scoring the first goal against Malaysia during their 2018 AFC Under-23 Championship qualifiers Group H match at the Suphachalasai National Stadium in...