PETALING JAYA: It was a cruel ending for Malaysia’s Under-23 football team in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, but coach Nafuzi Zain wants his charges to move on and shift their attention to the SEA Games.
The Harimau Muda were relentless in their attacks, searching for a winner and a chance to qualify for the competition next year.
However, a stoppage-time strike from Thailand’s Kakana Khamyok shattered their hopes and sealed a 2-1 win for the hosts in the final Group F match at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani on Tuesday night.
The result meant the Young Tigers finished third in the group with three points from as many matches, while Thailand, on seven points, advanced based on goal difference ahead of Lebanon.
Malaysia lost to Lebanon 0-1 and thrashed Mongolia 7-0 in their other two group games.
For coach Nafuzi Zain, the disappointment was clear, but so too was the pride.
“We gave them a good fight and created strong chances, but mistakes undid us,” he said.
“I’m frustrated with the result, but I’m proud of the commitment from the boys.”
The evening began in chaotic fashion. Torrential downpours forced the kick-off to be delayed for nearly two hours, leaving the pitch waterlogged and both teams struggling to play their usual game.
Thailand struck first in the 32nd minute through Kakana, only for defender Aysar Hadi Sapri to level eight minutes later.
Malaysia grew in confidence after the break, creating openings, but were undone in the 92nd minute when Kakana struck again.
Nafuzi added that his side kept attacking until the last minute, but allowed their opponents too much space to counter.
“Conceding so late from a simple mistake is painful. We had a lot of chances, but our finishing must improve.”
Despite the heartbreak, Nafuzi believes the Young Tigers showed progress and a better structure compared to their AFF Championship campaign earlier this year, with glimpses of the possession-based style the coach is eager to instil.
“The rain made it difficult for us to play our usual game from the back, so we had to be more direct against Thailand,” he explained.
“But in many moments, we showed good movements and created chances. These boys are learning.
“The more experience they get, the better they will become. Now the aim is to prepare well for the SEA Games and do better there.”
