Thailand delivered a statement victory in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, defeating Malaysia 2-0 at Rajamangala National Stadium to throw Group B wide open and reignite the seven-time champions’ title ambitions.
Tan Cheng Hoe’s Malaysia arrived in Bangkok riding high after back-to-back victories over Myanmar and Laos, but they were unable to extend their winning streak as the War Elephants produced a disciplined display to secure all three points in front of their home supporters.
Malaysia controlled possession for large spells early in the contest, patiently building from the back and attempting to dictate the tempo. However, despite enjoying more of the ball, clear-cut opportunities proved difficult to come by against Thailand’s organised defensive structure.
The hosts nearly broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Seksan Ratree threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Yotsakorn Burapha, only for the striker to narrowly miss making contact with the ball.
Thailand’s persistence was rewarded six minutes later.
A VAR review confirmed that Malaysia defender Ubaidullah Shamsul had fouled Kakana Khamyok inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Yotsakorn stepped up with confidence and calmly converted the penalty in the 38th minute to hand Thailand a deserved 1-0 advantage.
The hosts almost doubled their lead before the interval when Teerasak Poeiphimai squared the ball across the box for Yotsakorn, but the striker blasted his effort over the crossbar from a promising position.
Thailand entered halftime with a narrow but deserved lead.
Looking for a response, Malaysia introduced Faris Danish at the start of the second half in place of Ruventhiran Vengadesan.
However, Thailand struck another decisive blow in the 56th minute.
Worachit Kanitsribumphen delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, where Teerasak Poeiphimai timed his run perfectly before firing beyond the Malaysian goalkeeper to double the hosts’ advantage.
Despite trailing by two goals, Malaysia refused to surrender.
Paulo Josue attempted to inspire a comeback in the 78th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, but Thailand goalkeeper Kampon produced an excellent save.
The visitors threatened again four minutes from time when Wan Kuzain floated a cross into the box before Alif Ahmad unleashed a fierce long-range effort, only for Kampon to deny Malaysia once more with another crucial stop.
Those saves ensured Thailand preserved their clean sheet and completed a professional 2-0 victory.
The result leaves both Southeast Asian heavyweights firmly in contention for the semi-finals.
Thailand now have six points from two matches, while Malaysia remain on six points from three games, setting up a thrilling battle for qualification over the remaining fixtures.
Malaysia will now shift their attention to a must-win clash against the Philippines at KLFA Stadium, Cheras, on 8 August, while Thailand travel to New Clark City Athletics Stadium to face the Philippines on 4 August.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
