KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia failed to advance past the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifying round after a 2-1 loss to hosts Thailand in their Group F match at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani on Tuesday.
Kakana Khamyok scored a brace for Thailand — in the 33rd minute and deep into second half added time. Malaysia got a goal through Aysar Hadi in the 40th minute.
The Young Tigers finished third in their group with three points, while Thailand finished first with seven points and on goal difference over Lebanon who also had seven points.
Malaysia, led by coach Nafuzi Zain lost 1-0 to Lebanon on Sept 3 before bouncing back to thrash Mongolia 7-0 on Sept 6, but any hopes of qualifying ended with the loss to Thailand.
Only the group winners and four best runners-up will go to the 2027 Under-23 Asian Cup finals, along with hosts Saudi Arabia.
Malaysia qualified for the Under-23 Asian Cup in 2018, 2022 and 2024, with their best achievement being a quarter-final finish in 2018.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
