Malaysia Futsal National Team was eliminated after losing to Thailand Futsal National Team scoring 1-3 in the ASEAN Futsal Championship 2024 Group Stage, Group A at Terminal Hall in Terminal21 Korat Shopping Centre, Nakhonratchasima.
Following their earlier loss to Vietnam, Malaysia needed a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while Thailand, the defending champions, required only a draw to secure their spot.
Both teams fielded strong lineups, with Malaysia’s Syahir Iqbal Khan Akbar Khan and Harith Naim Nasir supporting manager Rakphol Sainetngam. Thailand’s manager, Miguel Rodrigo, strategically benched captains Narongsak Wingwon and Thetsak Charoenphong to bring a fresh approach.
The match began with Malaysia pushing hard to score, with Ridzwan Bakri nearly breaking through in the second minute. Tuah Eizlan Aminnudin also had a close-range attempt in the eighth minute, only for Thai goalkeeper Charoenphong Prasansat to make a quick save.
However, in the 11th minute, Thailand’s Atippong Munplhai scored with a powerful shot, bringing loud cheers from the home crowd. Thanawat Koedbangrachan then added to Thailand’s lead eight minutes later, making it 2-0 at halftime.
Malaysia showed renewed vigor in the second half, and captain Abu Haniffa scored in the 31st minute, connecting with a pass from Harith Naim to narrow the deficit to 1-2. However, Thailand’s Therdsak Charoenphong dashed Malaysia’s comeback hopes with a third goal in the 34th minute, sealing Thailand’s 3-1 victory.
With this result, Malaysia remains in third place in the group with three points after three matches, while Thailand tops the table with nine points. In the final group stage match, Malaysia will face Timor Leste, while Thailand will take on Vietnam to determine the group champion and runner-up.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
