Thailand have secured the upper hand in the race for the AFF Suzuki Cup title after clinching a pivotal 2-0 win over Malaysia in the first leg of their tie earlier today.
Both sides started the game brightly and the first 45 minutes turned out to be relatively exciting, with end-to-end stuff from both teams. Amri Yahya had two attempts within the first 5 minutes, though both went off target, before Norshahrul’s terrific was saved brilliantly by Kawin.
Minutes later, Thailand pushed forward, but Kroekrit’s speculative attempt from the right, went against the side-netting. Chanatip unleashed a grounder on the half-hour mark, though Farizal was equal to it.
As the first half progressed, it was evident that Kiatisuk Senamuang was extremely unhappy with proceedings from the touchlines; urging his players to be more clinical on the ball.
But after the break, Thailand were far more superior on and off the ball, which eventually paid massive dividends in the last 20 minutes of the game.
On the 70th minute mark, Fadhli Shas was penalized for fouling a Thai player inside the box, and Charyl Chappuis stepped up to dispatch the spot kick effectively, putting Thailand ahead.
Dollah responded with a double substitution, bringing on Safee Sali and Baddrol Bakthiar, but the Thais continues their imperious surge on the offence, claiming their second goal through a lightning counter attack, that was finished clinically by Kroekrit on the 86th minute.
Despite a late onslaught from Malaysia,Thailand did more than just hold on, as they almost made it 3-0, though Charyl’s shot ended up being wide off target. When the final whistle was blown, the Thai fans celebrating exuberantly, and you wouldn’t blame them for doing so, considering that they now have one hand on the Suzuki Cup.
That being said, another 90 minutes of football beckons this Saturday. And this time around, it’ll happen in the home of the Malayan Tigers.
MORE TO COME….
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