Malaysia lost 3-1 on aggregate after both teams played to a
1-1 draw at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last Sunday.
Thailand also frustrated Malaysia's hopes of retaining the
title which they lifted in Indonesia in 2010.
Buoyed by the home crowd, Thailand were in control for most
parts of the game, but Malaysia managed to keep Thai sporadic attacks at bay in
the first half.
Harimau Malaya's midfielder Mohamad Fadhli Mohd Shas was
sent off in the 44th minute by referee Lee Min Hu from South Korea for
quarrelling with Thai midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao.
National coach Datuk K. Rajagobal replaced left-winger S.
Kunalan and brought in Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen Zambri in the 52nd minute to beef
up the midfield but to no avail when Thailand capitalised on a lapse in Malaysia's
defence to open scoring in the 60th minute through Teerasil Dangda.
Thai marauding defender Theerathon Butmathan made it 2-0
five minutes later which resulted from a free kick which failed to be parried
off by goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias, much to the delight of the partisan
crowd.
Except for the 81st minute when Harimau Malaya came close to
reducing the deficit through a header by Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Malaysia
crumbled under the might of the ferocious Thais.
-- BERNAMA
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