AFF Cup: Faisal’s winner gives Malaysia slim lead to defend in second leg

Relieved: Malaysia players acknowledging the fans after beating Thailand 1-0 in the AFF Mitsubishi Cup semi-final first-leg match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: It’s too close for comfort as Malaysia will only take a one-goal lead heading into the lion’s den in Thailand for the return semi-final leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Cup on Tuesday.

An early strike by birthday boy Faisal Halim gave Malaysia a 1-0 win over Thailand in the first leg semi-final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night and handed the six-time champions their first defeat in the tournament.