Thailand had an amazing win after being led 3-0 by Malaysia in the Thanh Nien Newspaper U21 International Football Tournament’s semifinals to play against Hoang Anh Gia Lai Arsenal JMG in the final on Tuesday (October 28).

Malaysia broke through Thailand’s weak defense to take the lead in the first half with two goals by Nor Azlin, Mohamad Kecik in the 25th and 26th minute, respectively.

It was seemingly an end for Thailand when Sharul Sadd scored the third goal for Malaysia with a header from a corner kick by Abdunloh Pula in the 61st minute.

Before the match, Malaysia had four days off and the team has good physique, which has been shown in the quarterfinal match when they defeated Sydney 2-1 despite the Aussies scored the first goal.

But Thailand did not give up and Wuttichai Sooksen had the first goal from a shot outside the box in the 78th minute.

Only two minutes later, Montree Promsawat shortened the goal difference for Thailand.

In extra time, Boonkert Chaiyasin leveled the score from a free kick.

Thailand took a 4-2 win in the penalty shootouts.

Malaysian Coach Hassan Waras said his team did not defense well in the second half after leading with three goals.

“In my career, my team has never lost after leading with three goals. But the players are young and mistakes are possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thailand Coach Abdul Rungruang was delighted with the unexpected win.

“I couldn’t believe my players can win in such a special match. We did not play well in the first half and had many mistakes but we came back in the last minutes.”

“We are ready for the final match against U19 Hoang Anh Gia Lai Arsenal JMG. We are confident that we can defeat them.”

Thailand will play against Hoang Anh Gia Lai Arsenal JMG at 6 p.m. on Tuesday (October 28). At 3:30 p.m. earlier on the same day, Malaysia will play against Thanh Nien Newspaper Vietnam for third place.

Truc Phuong