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Mohamadou Sumareh’s excellent performance helped Malaysia defeat Thailand at their World Cup 2022 qualifier on Thursday.
Coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who earnestly longed for a win, gave out the strongest squad with Mohamadou Sumareh, Syafiq Ahmad, and Safawi Rasid. On the other side of the field, coach Nishino also used his best players, including Supachok Sarachat, Ekanit Panya, Teerasil Dangda, and notably J.League star Chanathip Songkrasin.
Malaysia quickly regained control and put mounting pressure on the guests. Brendan Gan assisted by Mohamadou equalized in the 27th minute. Both sides created several more chances in the first half. In the second half, Malaysia had a higher ball possession rate. Mohamadou Sumareh surprised the fans by running down and found the net in the 57th minutes, handing Malaysia a 2-1 lead. Nishino urged his players to increase pressure but Ekanit and Teerasil Dangda presented a poor finishing skill. With the 2-1 win, Malaysia keeps their unbeaten streak against Thailand on Bukit jalil stadium. Coach Tan’s team now ranks 4th in group G with 6 points. Meanwhile, Vietnam defeated UAE to take the top spot with 10 points.
Starting IX:
MALAYSIA: 22. Khairulazhan Khalid (GK); 4. Syahmi Safari, 3. Shahrul Saad, 7. Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak (C), 6. La'Vere Corbin-Ong; 15. Brendan Gan, 8. Nor Azam Abdul Azih, 14. Syamer Kutty Abba; 13. Mohamadou Sumareh, 20. Syafiq Ahmad, 11. Safawi Rasid.
THAILAND: 23. Siwarak Tedsungnoen (GK) (C), 3. Elias Dolah, 4. Sarach Yooyen, 7. Supachok Sarachat, 8. Ekanit Panya, 10. Teerasil Dangda, 12. Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri, 14. Manuel Bihr, 16. Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, 18. Chanathip Songkrasin, 19. Tristan Do.
Thailand is highly evaluated after their recent 2-1 victory over the UAE on the fourth matchday of World Cup 2022 qualifiers while Malaysia was defeated twice in a row after their win over Indonesia. Thereby, Tan Cheng Hoe is forced to win this match to qualify for the next match.
Highlights:
90' Four minutes of time added on! Malaysia lead by 2 goals to 1.
90' Narubadin Weerawatnodom is on for Tristan Do in the final moments of the match.
87' Brilliant Brendan! Almost another moment of magic from the Malaysia midfield maestro, as he weaves his way past the Thai defenders into the box, before shooting just wide.
84' Goalscorer Mohamadou Sumareh comes off for Akhyar Rashid.
81' STUNNING SAVE! Khairulzhan makes a flying save from Supachok who happened to catch the ball with a perfect volley.Meanwhile, Akira Nishino has taken off Ekanit Panya for Bordin Phala.
80' A double change for Malaysia with just ten minutes left to play. Nor Azam Azih goes off for Afiq Faizal. Meanwhile, Matthew Davies is also on for Syahmi Safari.
76' SAVE! Siwarak Tedsungnoen goes down well to save Safawi Rasid's freekick from creeping into the corner. It remains 2-1.
74' ANOTHER MISS! It just isn't Safawi Rasid's day. The Malaysian winger does ever so well to shrug off his marker and create space for himself. However, the youngster shoots straight at the goalkeeper from close range.
70' The match is turning into a cagey affair with Malaysia now looking to preserve their lead. They are defending deep in an attempt to thwart a Thai onslaught.
64' Wasted opportunity! That is simply bad play from Tristan Do, who scuffs his lines and sends a cross way off target.
60' An hour played, Malaysia have turned the tide around and are now the dominant side. Brendan Gan proving to be the man of the match so far with a goal and an assist.
AND BUKIT JALIL GOES WILD! Brendan Gan picks Mohamadou Sumareh with a stunning dinked pass over the Thailand backline, and the winger smashes the ball home. 2-1!
56' GOAL! MALAYSIA LEAD! 2-1!
55' A change for Thailand as Sarach Yooyen makes way for Sivakorn Tiatrakul.
50' SAVE! Syahmi Safari tries his luck from distance after a clearance falls his way. However, his shot lacks power and is saved easily by Siwarak Tedsungnoen.
48' What a stunning block by Manuel Tom Bihr, who steals the ball ahead of Syafiq Ahmad after Syamer Kutty Abba had supplied a dangerous cross. From the resulting corner, La'Vere Corbin-Ong sees his header go just over the crossbar. Promising start to the second period by the home side.
46' And we are back at the Bukit Jalil Stadium where Malaysia have kicked off the second half. 1-1 the score with 45 minutes left to play.
HAFT-TIME: Malaysia 1-1 Thailand
A fast-paced half of football with both teams going back and forth. Nothing separates them going into the break. Second half coming up.
45' SAFAWI BLASTS OVER! Brendan Gan turns in the middle of the park expertly before playing the winger through. However, he shoots over, instead of across, from close range.
39' What a tackle by Aidil Zafuan who stops Chanathip Songkrasin just as he's about to pull the trigger.
35' A coming together between the two talismans - Chanathip Songkrasin and Safawi Rasid. However, the referee separates the two and lets them off with a warning.
33' Booking for Syafiq Ahmad for a bad challenge on Tristan Do.
26' GOAL! MALAYSIA ARE LEVEL! 1-1!
25' Meanwhile a booking for Supachok Sarachart. Their first of the night.
Malaysia still struggling to string a move together. Can they level the match before half time?
20' As it stands, Thailand will extend their lead on top of the group to 10 points. Vietnam, of course, could catch up to them should they beat UAE in their match.
15' Syamer Kutty Abba receives the first booking of the match for a shirt pull. Thailand leading Malaysia by a goal to nil after the first fifteen minutes.
11' Meanwhile, on the other end, Malaysia attack through Mohamadou Sumareh, who plays Syafiq Ahmad through on goal. However, his shot from a tight angle is saved by the goalkeeper with ease.
2' GOALLL
Chanathip opens the scoring for Thailand!
1' the game starts
The biggest advantage of Malaysia is home advantage. Bukit jalil witnessed Thailand thrashed in all matches. Whether Thailand could break the curse on this stadium or not?
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Possible lineup of Thailand vs Malaysia:
Malaysia: Marlias, Matthew Davies, Shahrul Saad, Aidil Zafuan, La'Vere Corbin-Ong, Brendan Gan, Abdul Halim Saari, Mohamadou Sumareh, Syafiq Ahmad, Muhd Safawi Rasid, Norshahrul Talaha.
Thailand: Tedsungnoen, Nitipong Selanon, Manuel Bihr, Tanaboon Kesarat, Theerathon Bunmathan, Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, Sarach Yooyen, Supachok Sarachart, Eakkanit Punya, Sasalak Haiprakhon, Teerasil Dangda.
>>> Malaysia announces preliminary squad against Thailand, Indonesia
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