Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Bangkok: Hosts Thailand slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Malaysia thanks to a fortuitous first-half Muhammad Hafizuddin goal in the AFC U-16 Championship Group A opener at Muangthong Stadium on Saturday.
Hafizuddin scored the decisive goal for Malaysia, who last qualified for the tournament in 2008, when the midfielder's cross-cum-shot sailed past Thailand goalkeeper Chakhon Philakhlang in the 34th minute.
And with Malaysia leaving the passionate home support disappointed after downing the 1988 and 1996 winners, Balachandran Sithamparam's side joined Korea Republic at the top of Group A following their earlier 3-1 win over Oman.
"We felt pressure playing against the host nation, but we have experienced pressure on many occasions so we were able to absorb it and could have scored a second after half-time," said Sithamparam.
"Yes it was a cross, but conditions were difficult so it was easy for the keeper to make a mistake.
"Any goal is a good goal, and we deserved to win because we had more chances."
The home side got off to a slow start, and it was Malaysia who had the first chance when Kongileswaran Raj's right-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area went just past the post.
But as the rain came down heavily, Thailand came into the contest and created their first real chance when Muhamad Hafiy Haikal slipped to allow Tanapat Khathipphatee through on goal, but goalkeeper Muhammad Haziq parried his effort around the post to spare the defender's blushes.
Minutes later, Samart Authairatsamee muscled the hapless Hafiy Haikal off the ball but was denied by the in-form Haziq in the Malaysia goal.
The hosts were on top but Malaysia stunned the home side by taking the lead against the run of play 11 minutes before half-time as Hafizuddin's right-footed cross from the left side was misjudged by goalkeeper Chakhon and flew into the top corner.
This spurred Malaysia on, with both Abang Afirman and Muhammad Shahrul Akmal having efforts saved by Chakhon as half-time approached.
Thailand started the second half brightly and should have levelled the score three minutes after the interval, but Adisak Narattho miscued his effort after Tanapat's free-kick was unconvincingly knocked away by Haziq.
And minutes later, Adisak would have been through on goal but for Amirul Syazwan's timely challenge on the edge of the area.
Thailand continued to press but created few clear-cut chances as Authairatsamee fired just over the crossbar with 30 minutes remaining as the home side began to tire.
Indeed, Hafiy Haikal's 30-yard free kick could have put the game beyond doubt, but Chakhon saved well.
Malaysia, though, were able to hold onto their advantage with Sithamparam's side now turning their attentions to Monday's meeting with Korea.
"One mistake cost us the game. We lost concentration for a short time and now will have to go back and work on our game," said Thailand coach Adul Rungruang, who now must re-group his side ahead of Monday's meeting with Oman.
"It wasn't a goalkeeping error, but a lack of marking and closing down. We have many experienced players but they felt the pressure caused them to make mistakes.
"I take responsibility and we will now have to work hard and prepare for the Oman game."