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). (Photo: VNA)

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

In the second half, Pansa Hemviboon restored Thailand’s advantage at the 62^nd 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 Viet Nam 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.

(Source: VNA)