PETALING JAYA: National centreback Ubaidullah Samsul Fazili took the spotlight for the wrong reason against Thailand in the AFF Hyundai Cup but he plans to redeem himself in the do-or-die final group game next.
Malaysia lost 0-2 to Thailand in their third Group B match against the hosts at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday.
Ubaidullah and Co have a decisive clash with the Philippines at the Cheras Football Stadium on Aug 8, knowing only a win will keep their campaign alive.
Only the top two teams will make the semi-finals and Malaysia are currently are second behind Thailand on goal difference despite having six points each.
It all went well in the opening half when Ubaidullah, Rodney Celvin Akwensivie, V. Ruventhiran and Jimmy Raymond stayed composed under pressure and showed great discipline in defence.
The resistance was eventually broken in the 36th minute, when referee Kim Woo-sung pointed to a penalty after a lengthy VAR review.
Ubaidullah was adjudged to have caught Kakana Khamyok while attempting to clear the ball, not seeing the Thai forward closing in.
Yotsakorn Burapha made no mistake from the spot, sending the hosts ahead a minute later.
“Of course, it was an important game to get to the next stage. We lacked creativity upfront,” said the 22-year-old, who plays for Terengganu in the Super League.
“In the first 20 minutes, we could have killed off the game, but Thailand, with their experience, grew into it and used that to their advantage. In our last match, we have no choice but to win against the Philippines.
“A win would make our path easier, so we will go all out to ensure the result favours us.”
After the goal, national coach Tan Cheng Hoe made his first change of the match at the break, handing Farish Danish Mohd Asrul his national debut in place of Ruventhiran.
The visitors suffered a further setback in the 53rd minute when Jimmy was withdrawn with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, replaced by Alif Ahmad.
Thailand doubled their lead four minutes later through a slick move by Teerasak Poeiphimai, who slotted calmly past goalkeeper Azri Ghani.
Malaysia searched for a way back into the contest, and striker Paulo Josue came closest in the 77th minute with a stinging effort from outside the box, well saved by Thai custodian Kampol Pathomakkakul.
