KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia fell short in their final Group H match as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Thailand at the Chonburi Stadium today.
This defeat could deter Harimau Muda’s qualification for the U-23 Asian Cup next year, as they are still awaiting the final standings of the runners-up ranking, where the four best-ranked runners-up will qualify for the tournament.
The Thais, led by Ithsara Sritharo, issued an early warning by launching an incursion into the penalty box, which forced defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar to throw himself to the ground in an attempt to prevent Phongsakon Trisat’s grounder from finding the net.
The War Elephants then took the lead in the 19th minute when striker Yotsakon Burapha scored with a header that easily found the bottom left corner, beating Malaysian goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel.
Harimau Muda’s Muhammad Aliff Izwan came close to equalising with an 18-yard shot, but his effort was easily saved by Thailand’s Thirawooth Sraunson.
The team showed a glimmer of hope via captain Mukhairi Ajmal in the 20th minute, when he dribbled past three defenders to win a free kick 20 yards away from the goal, only for Luqman Hakim to strike the ball into the stands.
Thailand continued to apply pressure on the Malaysian defence, making it difficult for E. Elavarasan’s charges to connect their moves until the halftime whistle, and this persisted in the second half.
Harimau Muda has now lost to Thailand in three consecutive games, with their most recent defeat coming in the recent AFF U-23 semifinals, where they lost 3-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in normal time.
Harimau Muda’s best achievement in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup was in 2018, when they reached the quarter final stage in the championship held in China.
Sixteen teams will participate in next year’s tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Qatar from April 15 to May 3. – September 12, 2023