Kuala lumpur: Thailand last night ended their 12-year Asean title drought despite losing 3-2 to Malaysia in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup final.
A spirited Thailand, who won the first leg 2-0 in Bangkok on Wednesday, rallied from 3-0 down at the packed Bukit Jalil Stadium to claim a 4-3 aggregate win.
It is Thailand’s fourth crown at the biennial championship, matching Singapore’s record. The Thais previously won in 1996, 2000 and 2002.
With the win, Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang became the first man to win the Asean title both as a player and a coach.
The 41-year-old won the title three times as a player. He was a member of the Thai team that beat Malaysia in the final of the inaugural edition in 1996.
The team will receive about 25 million baht in bonuses and prize money.
At Bukit Jalil, which was packed to its 90,000 capacity with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak a spectator, the hosts got off to a fast start and took a 1-0 lead on the night after just six minutes in a controversial manner.
Iranian referee Faghani Alireza awarded Malaysia a penalty after Thailand defender Suttinun Phukhom was adjudged to have fouled Malaysia striker Norshahrul Talaha.
Thailand’s appeal was turned down and Safiq bin Rahim made no mistake from the spot.
Perhaps unsettled by the early goal, Thailand failed to find their rhythm as the Tigers piled the pressure on the War Elephants.
Kroekrit Thaweekarn came close to scoring an equaliser just before half-time. But moments later, Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thammasatchanan missed a cross allowing Indra Putra to head the ball home to make it 2-0 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate.
Thailand regrouped in the second half but it was Malaysia who went in front after 58 minutes when Safiq Rahim’s 25-yard free-kick beat Kawin. Malaysia would have lifted the trophy with that scoreline.
However, the Thais staged a fightback and threw everything at Malaysia. Their attempts were rewarded in the 82nd minute when goalkeeper Farizal Marlias could only block a Sarach Yooyen free-kick and Charyl Chappuis calmly sent the loose ball into the back of the net. Chanathip Songkrasin put the tie beyond any doubt with a strike four minutes from time.
Chanathip was named the best player of the tournament. The champions got $200,000 and the runners-up $75,000.