PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe (pic) remained upbeat despite Harimau Malaya’s 0-2 defeat to Thailand in their third Group B match of the AFF Hyundai Cup at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday.
Harimau Malaya, who had defeated Myanmar 2-1 and Laos 4-0 in their opening Group B matches, could not keep their winning run going.
The War Elephants’ goals came from striker Yotsakorn Burapha in the 37th minute and winger Teerasak Poeiphimai in the 57th.
With the defeat, Cheng Hoe’s unbeaten record against Thailand as a coach has also ended.
Before this game, he had a four-match unbeaten record against Thailand, winning two and drawing two.
“As a coach, I want to keep a good record playing against Thailand, but sometimes football really comes down to the finer details. I still believe in my team,” he said.
“If you give them the chance and the confidence, they will perform well and continue to grow together for the next game.”
Cheng Hoe said his side had created several chances that could have yielded a goal.
Some of the youngsters that showed potential against the Thais were winger G. Pavithran, midfielder Daryl Sham George and fullbacks Farish Danish Mohd Asrul and Alif Ahmad.
“Although we didn’t win, as a coach I’m still positive about how we played against Thailand, where we created a few chances to score,” said Cheng Hoe.
“The atmosphere was very good for the fans who came to support the team.”
The Thais lead the group with six points from two matches and are ahead of the Malaysians on goal difference.
Thailand’s coach Anthony Hudson was happy with their clean sheet.
“We played some really good football for the large part of the game Just very proud of the players for another clean sheet.
“I think they (Malaysia) are a dangerous team. They’re a complicated team to play against but we got the result,” said Hudson.
Malaysia now turn their attention to a decisive clash against the Philippines at the Cheras Football Stadium on Aug 8, knowing only a win will keep their campaign alive.
The top two teams in the group will advance to the semi-finals.
