NO HAPPY ENDING

Malaysia fall to Thailand in AFF U-18 final

IN a tale of two halves, 10-man Thailand produced an impressive second half performance to end Malaysia’s dream of winning the AFF Under-18 Championship for the first time by winning 2-0 at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon yesterday.

Malaysia dominated the opening 40 minutes to pin the Thais in their own half for most periods.

“I think we were unlucky in the final. We had chances but could not convert them“, said coach Bojan Hodak in Yangon.

“We defied the odds and made it this far here. It is a good stepping stone and I believe this team will get better for the AFC Under-19 qualifiers in South Korea (Oct 31-Nov 8).”

The result could have been different had Akhyar Rashid scored in the sixth minute.

The Kedah winger latched onto a through ball with only the Thai goalkeeper Kantaphat Manpati in front of him but the Malaysian was unlucky as his shot struck off the post.

Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat did very nicely to cut in from the left but his curling shot sailed inches wide in the 29th minute before his free-kick flew over the bar several minutes later.

Thailand’s tempo improved after they brought in Ekanit Panya and Yuthapichai Lertlum in the 37th minute.

Thailand had their first chance through Yuthapichai but his close range effort was brilliantly blocked by Malaysian goalkeeper Azri Ghani three minutes before half-time.

After the breather, Thailand stamped their mark with a goal through Ekanit in the 48th minute, before captain Kritsada Kaman extended their lead three minutes later.

In the 67th minute, Thailand were down with 10 players after referee Clifford Daypuyat of the Philippines sent off defender Wudtichai Kumkeam.

With the numerical advantage, Malaysia had some good chances, but could not capitalise on them.

In stoppage time, Malaysia earned a penalty, but substitute Zafuan Azeman’s attempt was save by Thai keeper Kantaphat.

Despite the defeat, Hodak’s boys should be proud of their effort as nobody expected them to produce a strong showing in Yangon.

Hodak only had two weeks with the boys before the tournament.

Earlier, Indonesia thrashed Myanmar 7-1 to take third spot.