Bojan unhappy with Thailand stalemate in AFF Under-19

PETALING JAYA: Coach Bojan Hodak was far from pleased despite Malaysia wrapping up their Group A campaign in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Championship with a 1-1 draw against Thailand.

Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat gave Malaysia a dream start in the 49th minute at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday.

A lapse of concentration at the back allowed unmarked Thai skipper Kritsada Kaman to stab home from close range Naravit Kaosantia’s free-kick in the 63rd minute.

With the draw, Malaysia and Thailand ended the group stage with 13 points each. Malaysia topped the group on goal difference.

But the Croatian coach wasn’t impressed.

“The Thais were technically bet- ter, but we had better chances. We did well defensively, except for conceding the soft goal. The boys need to improve on many more aspects,” said Hodak.

“Overall, we did well to finish as group champions. Nobody expected us to come this far.”

Malaysia – who had earlier defeated Laos 4-1, Singapore 3-1, Timor Leste 3-0 and Cambodia 2-0 – will play the Group B runners-up in the semi-finals at the same venue on Friday (4.30pm).

Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia are involved in a threehorse race to qualify for the semi-finals from Group B.

Last year, Malaysia – under German coach Frank Bernhardt – failed to reach the semi-finals after shock losses to Timor Leste (3-2) and host Vietnam (3-1).

Australia emerged champions after thrashing Thailand 5-1 in the final in Hanoi.