Malaysia become the first finalists of the 2018 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) after a 2-2 nail-biting draw with Thailand in the second leg of the semi-final in Bangkok on December 5.

Malaysia become the first finalists of the 2018 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF).

After the first leg finished goalless on December 1, host Thailand opened the scoring at the 21st minute when Thitipan Puangchan’s header went in via a deflection off Irfan Zakaria. However, Malaysia equalised through a thunderbolt of Syahmi Safari at 28th minute.

In the second half, Pansa Hemviboon restored Thailand’s advantage at the 62nd minute but the Harimau Malaya leveled again thanks to Idlan Talaha’s powerful strike. 

Thailand could have won the game if top scorer Adkisak had not blazed a penalty over the bar at the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Malaysia will now play either Vietnam or the Philippines in the final. 

Following a 2-1 win against the Philippines in the first-leg at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, the Vietnamese players are now ready for the second-leg match to be held at the My Dinh National Stadium on December 6. Tickets for the match have been already sold out.-VNA