‘Gan-man’ shoots down Thais
KUALA LUMPUR: He scored one, brilliantly set up another and came within centimetres of a third – Brendan Gan was the hero as the national team rediscovered their winning touch in the 2022 World Cup2023 Asian Cup qualifying campaign by beating Thailand 2-1 in their fourth Group G match.
It was a hard-fought win for the Harimau Malaya at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and extended the War Elephants’ winless run on Malaysian soil.
Malaysia have not lost to Thailand at home in 47 years. The Thais’ last win on Malaysian soil came in the 1971 Merdeka Tournament where they triumphed 2-0.
Last night, Thailand threatened to end the losing streak by taking the lead in the sixth minute with Chanatip
Songkrasin finishing off inside the box after some neat close passing by the Thais inside the box.
Malaysia returned the favour with an almost identical goal with Brendan getting the final shot to make it 1-1.
Malaysia then took the lead with a brilliant goal when Brendan chipped the entire Thai defence for winger Mohamadou Sumareh to volley home from close range in the 56th minute.
Towards the end, Malaysian goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid pulled off an amazing save, stretching fulllength to deny the Thais and Brendan came close to making it 3-1 when his shot went inches past the post with the Thai goalkeeper well beaten.
Malaysia now have six points from four matches while the Thais have seven.
Malaysia will next take on the Indonesians at the National Stadium on Tuesday.