KUALA LUMPUR: ELECTRIFYING!
That was the only way to describe the atmosphere amid scenes of excitement and anticipation in the Klang Valley as fans, young and old, stood outside the National Stadium today for the AFF Cup final, return leg hours before the 8pm kick-off.
The match between Malaysia and Thailand drew a sell-out crowd as all the 90,000 tickets and complimentary passes were taken up a day before the game.
The stadium gates were opened at 2pm and thousands of fans rushed in to get a seat while some hung banners around sections of the terraces.
Some banners read: "Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku", "Say No To Hooliganism", and "Demi Malaysia".
It was clear that fans, including the 5,000 supporters from Thailand, were hyped up for the final.
In the parking lot, Malaysian fans lit flares and danced around them singing patriotic songs.
Security was also tight as more than 3,000 enforcement officers were stationed in and outside the stadium as early as 12pm.
FA of Malaysia president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah inspected the security on a motorcycle.
Fans waved banners, blew horns and did the Mexican wave before the kick-off.
They also cheered when Thailand and Malaysia entered the pitch for their warm-up.
Among the VIPs who will be watching the match were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.