Thailand power into Asean title lead

Thailand power into Asean title lead

Thailand are on the brink of regaining the Asean football title after beating Malaysia 2-0 in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup final on Wednesday night.

Number two for Thailand as Kroekrit Thaweekarn nets to give his team an imposing lead over Malaysia in the battle for Asean's top team at the Rajamangala Stadium on Wednesday night. The two sides meet in the second leg of the Suzuki Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Charyl Chappuis' penalty kick after 72 minutes and Kroekrit Thaweekarn's strike four minutes from time finished off the Tigers at a packed Rajamangala National Stadium.

The second leg will take place in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday as Thailand chases a record-equalling fourth title in the biennial event.

Kiatisak Senamuang, now Thailand's coach, was a member of the three winning sides. He has never lost to Malaysia as a player and a coach.

His men also beat Malaysia 3-2 in Singapore in the group stage of the current campaign.

"It was an exciting match. I am pleased with the win but our mission is not yet complete. Our aim is to win back the trophy," Kiatisak said.

"We have a 2-0 lead and the atmosphere at the 80,000-seat stadium in Kuala Lumpur will be a big test for our young players. But the Malaysia team will be under pressure too."

Malaysia coach Dollah Saleh could not explain his team's lapse in the second half.

"In the first half we played very well in defence but in the second half, I don't know what happened and the Thai played very well."

Malaysia gave the War Elephants a scare in the opening minutes, forcing Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan to make a couple of good saves.

Thailand were dominant in the second half and finally got their first goal when they were awarded a penalty after Adisak was tripped in the goal area.

Thai-Swiss midfielder Chappuis made no mistake from the spot. Thailand got a two-goal cushion thanks to Kroekrit's close-range shot in the 86th minute.

The Thai team will get one million baht as a bonus for Wednesday's win from the Football Association of Thailand. The Thais are expected to receive more than 20 million baht in bonus and prize money if they lift the trophy on Saturday.

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