Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
The Thailand U-23 national team confirmed that they have qualified for the 2025 SEA Games football final after beating Malaysia 1-0 at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Monday (15/12).
The Thailand vs Malaysia duel in the semifinals was interesting from the early minutes. Both teams were equally enthusiastic about playing an attacking game.
However, Thailand managed to take a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute thanks to a goal scored by Yotsakorn Burapha. The number nine player’s goal was created through a cool free kick.
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Malaysia had a good chance to equalize in the 13th minute through Danish Hakimi’s heading. Unfortunately the ball was still too weak and fell right into goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman’s arms.
Two minutes later, young Harimau Malaya produced a dangerous opportunity. Faris Danish’s cross actually went into the corner of the goal without the Thai goalkeeper being able to reach it but unfortunately the ball still hit the crossbar.
In the 16th minute, Malaysia had bad luck after Aiman Yusuf was given a second yellow card and had to leave the field early.
Aiman received a second yellow card after committing a foul on Iklas Sanron who was running fast on the side of the field while launching a counterattack.
Even though they played with 10 players, Malaysia was able to put up resistance. A number of threats were presented but could not be converted into goals. The home side’s lead lasted until halftime.
As soon as the second half started, Malaysia immediately made a breakthrough. Faris Danish was able to penetrate the left side of the penalty box and successfully outwit a Thai player before firing a shot but the Thai goalkeeper still managed to secure the ball.
Thailand also put pressure back. Yotsakorn Burapha almost doubled the hosts’ lead in the 70th minute. It’s just that his left foot shot was slightly off the right side of the goal.
The War Elephant Team also had two dangerous opportunities in the 72nd minute but they were still able to be countered by Malaysian goalkeeper Zulhilmi Sharani who performed brilliantly.
Two minutes later, Zulhilmi Sharani also succeeded in thwarting Thanakrit Chotmuangpak’s measured shot.
Malaysia almost changed the score in the final minutes through Moses Raj’s header in front of goal. However, the Thai goalkeeper could still secure the ball.
Thailand’s 1-0 lead lasted until the match was over. Thus, the hosts will face Vietnam in the final match which will take place on Thursday (18/12).
(jun/jun/nva)
