KUALA LUMPUR: A costly error by goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli dashed Harimau Malaya's hopes as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Thailand in Saturday's Asean Cup Group A clash at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
In a game of few opportunities for either side, world No. 132 Malaysia put up a strong first-half display against the 97th-ranked War Elephants.
Pau Marti Vicente's men defended with discipline, frustrating their highly-rated opponents.
However, the turning point came early in the second half.
In the 57th minute, Haziq's poor clearance was intercepted by Thailand's Suphanat Muenta, who set up Patrik Gustavsson.
The forward made no mistake, slotting home the decisive goal.
Malaysia's best chance to equalise came in the 68th minute, when Endrick dos Santos unleashed a powerful strike, but Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai produced a superb save, tipping the ball over the bar.
The visitors suffered another blow in the 85th minute when defender Adib Ra'op collided with Thailand's Akarapong Pumwiset.
Adib was stretchered off and rushed to hospital with fears of a concussion, while Akarapong received a yellow card for the challenge.
Thailand and Singapore now lead Group A with six points each, with the former holding the top spot.
Malaysia sit third with four points.
Harimau Malaya must now beat Singapore in their final group match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Dec 20 to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Results
Asean Cup
Group A
TIMOR LESTE 0 3 SINGAPORE
THAILAND 1 0 MALAYSIA