BANGKOK: Centreback M. Moses Raj was inches away from becoming a hero to take Malaysia into extra time against Thailand in the semi-finals.
But the 20-year-old missed out on his big moment to level the score during injury time and Malaysia lost 0-1 at the Rajamangala Stadium on Monday.
Moses was left crestfallen as Thai goalkeeper Phosaman Sorawat stood solid to deflect the shot.
“If I had converted, we would have had a chance to fight for the gold,” said Moses.
“The keeper was in top form that night. When he caught it, I was heartbroken.”
“The defeat was painful but we have to accept the result.
In a match where Malaysia were reduced to 10 men after Aiman Yusoff Mohd Nabil’s dismissal, Selangor II player Moses delivered a defensive masterclass against technically superior opponents.
Moses gave credit to his teammates for their good fight.
“We played well despite being down to 10 men, but we could not convert the chances we had,” said Moses.
“The experience has been valuable. The standard is different against Thailand and Vietnam. We need to be sharper in attack and defence.”
Captain Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, who played in midfield against Thailand, said it was a good lesson.
“Thailand are a quality side. We are young and we can only improve,” he said.
Malaysia will play against the Philippines in the bronze-medal playoff and Ubaidullah hope they will stand on the podium.
“It’s our last chance, so we have to go all out for a medal.”
