Thailand followed Philippines in confirming their semi finals berth after securing a dramatic 3-2 win over Malaysia earlier today.
The Thais went behind on two separate occassion throughout the 90 minutes, but a last-gasp winner from Adisak Kraisorn secured an amazing victory, leaving the Malaysians crestfallen at the end of the day.
The Thais started out as the better team, showcasing their exemplary passing vision by spreading play effectively. But Amri Yahya eventually gave Malaysia the lead on the 28th minute mark, courtesy of an excellent finish, after being assisted by Safiq Rahim.
Thailand upped their tempo immediately after that, pushing hard on the offensive, though the partnership of Afif Amiruddin and Fadhli Shas looked decent at that point in time. They restricted Thailand to shots from outside the box, although Senamuang’s men eventually restored parity just before the break, courtesy of a goal from Adisak Kraisorn.
After the break, Thailand continued pressuring the Malaysian defence, before Safiq Rahim proved his class with a brilliant goal on the hour’s mark, sending the Malaysian fans into raptures. But just when you would expect Thailand to be demotivated by the goal, they remained defiant and kept working the ball around, hunting for the coveted equalizer.
It eventually arrived on the 72nd minute, as Charyl Chappuis unleashed a stunning strike to level the score for the second time in the game. Dollah Salleh continued urging his men down the touchline, pushing his team to hunt for the winner.
But Thailand were equally determined to not end it with a draw, and their efforts were eventually rewarded at the death. Adisak Kraisorn, who initially scored Thailand’s opening goal, fired home the winning goal on the 90th minute mark to seal victory and qualification into the semis.
Meanwhile, Singapore romped to a 4-2 win over Laos at the brand new Sports Hub National Stadium. Hariss Harun’s was definitely the star player of the night, inspiring the Lions that puts them within touching distance of a semi final berth.
Shaiful Esah scored for them on the 15th minute mark, courtesy of an inch perfect free kick, before Hariss unleashed an unstoppable strike past the Myanmar goalie after the break.
And just when Myanmar were looking to head into the break and regroup, Singapore netted their third goal of the night, as Hariss fired another volley into the net, three minutes before the break.
In the second half, Kyaw Zayar Win pulled one back for Myanmar on the 55th minute, before Kyaw Ko Ko converted a spot kick to make it 3-2. The legion of Myanmar fans within the stadium were ecstatic until Singapore restored their two-goal lead when Maung Lwin headed into his own net, making it 4-2.
Singapore held on for the victory, which now puts them very close towards a semi final slot. They will face Malaysia this weekend, and if they can avoid defeat, then their bid to retain the title will continue.
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