Ho Chi Minh City: Thailand claimed top spot in Group B of the 2017 ASEAN Futsal Championship after a 6-3 win over Malaysia on Saturday.
Prior to the match, both teams stepped onto the court with a record of two successive wins and confirmed spots in the semi-finals as well as the 2018 AFC Futsal Championship Final stage.
In a battle for Group B supremacy, Thailand and Malaysia looked to be evenly matched.
In a series of attempts, counter-attacks and reversals, both sides had an even share of possession and efforts on goal.
After 11 minutes of play, it was Thailand who opened the scoring with Chaivat Jamgrajang passing into the box for Muhammad Osamanmusa to score his ninth goal of the tournament.
Just moments later, Soorasak Phoonjungreed intercepted a pass and surged forward to find Ronnachai Jungwongsuk in a perfect position to hit home from close range.
Every Malaysian player showcased exceptional individual skill, but a lack of synergy in the final third gave them much to regret.
in the 15th minute, Osamanmusa was on target once again with his twist and turn shot from outside the penalty area to make it 3-0.
After the break, Thailand showed their strength in setpieces when Nattavut Madyalan headed a cross in from Phoonjungreed at the 25th minute, before Weerasak Srichai scored a minute later, courtesy of Osamanmusa's through pass into the box.
Khairul Effendy managed to pull one back for Malaysia at the half-hour mark with a free-kick that ricocheted off the hands of Kanison Phoonpun into the goalmouth.
Jose Maria Pazos Mendez's side regained their five-goal advantage when Warut Wangsama-aeo found the back of the net from the second penalty spot minutes later.
Chiew Chun Yong's side replied immediately with Effendy scoring his second after a long range pass that caught the Thai backline off guard.
In an attempt to pull the Malaysian defence away from the goalmouth, Thailand made a mistake when Azwann Ismail seized a loose ball to score in the 34th minute but that was to be it for Malaysia.
Timor-Leste will take on Laos later on Saturday.
Source: the-afc.com