Malaysia struck an important 2022 World Cup/2023 Asian Cup qualifying win by edging Thailand 2-1 in a thrilling Group G match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight.
Mohamadou Sumareh (above) fired home the winning goal in the 56th minute to complete Harimau Malaya’s comeback following a superb second-half display from Tan Cheng Hoe’s side.
The “War Elephants” under Japanese Akira Nishino's charge started well and took the lead after only seven minutes through Chanatip Songkrasin.
Malaysia remained calm but kept up the attacking display before Brendan Gan equalised in the 26th minute after slotting in a brilliant pass from Mohamed Syamer Kutty.
Gan turned provider in the 56th minute when his dinked pass caught the entire Thailand defence flat-footed, allowing Sumareh to volley the ball into the net.
The victory gave Malaysia a second win in the campaign after losing to United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Vietnam while Thailand tasted their first loss in the competition.
In tonight’s match, Tan made three changes to his starting line-up from the Vietnam loss in Hanoi last month, with Khairulazhan Mohd Khalid replacing Mohd Farizal Marlias as the goalkeeper, Muhd Syahmi Safari taking over from Matthew Davies in defence and Muhd Syafiq Ahmad replacing Norshahrul Idlan Talaha upfront.
The adjustments produced a more lethal attacking approach and a much better performance in defence as Malaysia managed to keep their cool throughout the match.
In another Group G match tonight, Vietnam defeated UAE 1-0 at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi to top the group with 10 points.
Malaysia is currently in fourth place, equal on six points with UAE, a point behind second-placed Thailand.
- Bernama
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