STRIKER Ahmad Fakri Saarani scored a last-gasp winning goal in stoppage time against defending champions Thailand to put Malaysia into the semi-finals of the men’s football competition.
It was against all odds that the Malaysians pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Thais in their final Group A match at the Main Stadium of the National Sports Complex in Vientiane yesterday.
It was one of the biggest blows for Thailand in the history of the SEA Games men’s football as they failed to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time in 36 years.
The last time Malaysia beat Thailand in the SEA Games was back in 1989 (KL) when they won 1-0 in the semi-finals.
Thailand, who were champions for the last eight editions of the Games since 1993, needed only a draw to pull through to their 19th consecutive semi-finals.
They were on their way to the playoff stage for medals after Arthit Sunthorphit put them in front with a stunning free-kick in the 53rd minute
The Thais still had a foot in the semi-finals when Nasriq Baharom equalised for Malaysia in the 80th minute.
But then, Fakri did the incredible, scoring deep into stoppage time to break the Thais’ hearts. Norsharul Idlan Talaha weaved past two defenders inside the box and sent the ball to the lurking Fakri to stab in from close range.
The 20-year-old Fakri, of Ipoh, said he knew they had a chance if they continued to fight until the final whistle.
“There were four minutes of added time and when I saw Norsharul breaking from the right, I knew there was a chance for us to score,” said the former Harimau Muda (National Under-19) player.
Vietnam moved into the semi-finals as the group winners with a 6-1 win over Cambodia.
In Monday’s semi-finals, Malaysia will play against Group B winners Laos while Vietnam will take on Singapore.
A decision by coach K. Rajagopal to bring in fresh legs in substitutes Azmi Muslim for Mat Sabree Abu and Asraruddin Putra for Baddrol Bakhtiar paid off against the Thais.
“It was a gamble ... and I am extremely happy for the boys,” said a jubilant Rajagopal.
“I started with reserve keeper Mohd Sharbinee (Allawee) and was informed of midfielder Amirulhadi’s (Zainal) suspension on the eleventh hour. I had to switch my game plan and it was a gamble to bring in Azmi, who gave us the extra pace to trouble the Thais.”
However, Rajagopal was quick to warn his boys to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
“Yes, we have prevailed under tough situations but our mission is not done, yet,” he said.
Thai coach Steve Darby was a picture of dejection but accepted defeat graciously.
“Everyone is bitterly devastated ... we should have finished them off after going in front. But I am not going to blame anyone for the defeat. As the coach, I will take the rap for this failure,” he said.
Darby credited the Malaysians for throwing everything at them even when the chips were down.
“They kept fighting and fighting and kept coming and coming at us,” he said and then loudly declared: “Malaysia Boleh!”
Source: the star
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