MALAYSIA squandered the lead twice as Thailand came-from-behind to record a 3-2 win in a rain-delayed AFF Cup Group B match at Jalan Besar Stadium today.
With the defeat, Malaysia, who have one point from the draw against Myanmar, must beat Singapore in their final group match on Saturday to reach the semi-finals. As for Thailand, they have qualified for the last four with six points.
Malaysia bounced back after an erratic start by taking the lead through Amri Yahyah. The 33-year-old netted his fourth international goal with a grounder from outside the Thailand box in the 28th minute.
However, the persistent Thailand side levelled proceedings when substitute Adisak Kraisorn scored with his first touch, driving home Charyl Chappuis’s low cross two minutes before half-time.
Amri’s ambitious attempt with a high lob inside his own half almost regained Malaysia’s lead but unfortunately the ball struck the Thai crossbar.
Former captain Safiq Rahim regained Malaysia’s lead with a solo effort in the 60th minute before Charyl Chappuis equalised for Thailand in the 73rd minute.
Adisak then scored his second of the night in the final minute for the Thailand win.