Thailand secured top spot in Group B of the Asean Hyundai Cup on Saturday, beating Myanmar 2-0 in Bangkok to book a semi-final meeting with four-time champions Singapore.
The second spot in the group was taken by Malaysia who completed the last-four line-up with a narrow 1-0 win over the Philippines in Kuala Lumpur.
Worachit Kanitsribumphen converted a penalty in the 11th minute, with Jehhanafee Mamah adding a second from the spot early in the second half, extending the Thais’ perfect run through the group stage.
The result marked a fourth straight win in the competition and kept alive Thailand’s remarkable defensive record, with the seven-time champions yet to concede in the regional tournament.
Coach Anthony Hudson said he was pleased not only with the result but with his side’s discipline, noting his relief that none of the five players carrying yellow cards picked up a further booking that would have ruled them out of the semi-final.
He praised his squad’s resolve given the physical toll of a demanding group phase, which also included victories over Laos, Malaysia and the Philippines.
“I’m really pleased with the result, really pleased with winning our games, clean sheets, and qualifying for the semi-finals,” said Hudson.
Hudson acknowledged his team had struggled to impose themselves as forcefully as usual, pointing to widespread fatigue and cramp among his players by the interval. He said the priority now was recovery, with a full focus on preparations for Singapore to begin on Monday.
The result extended Thailand’s unbeaten run to 10 matches since Hudson replaced Masatada Ishii as head coach last October, with the Englishman suggesting his players are increasingly attuned to his tactical approach after a positive opening block of fixtures together.
Myanmar’s exit was confirmed by the defeat, leaving Jorn Andersen’s side third on six points, three behind Malaysia.
The Norwegian was scathing in his post-match assessment, insisting his side had been the better team on the night and had twice struck the woodwork, and suggesting Thailand had offered little going forward.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia edged past the Philippines thanks to Gunalan Pavithran’s 16th-minute header, moving them onto nine points from four matches and three clear of Myanmar to secure their own passage to the semi-finals.
They will now face defending champions Vietnam over two legs, starting in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 16 before the return in Hanoi three days later.
Thailand, chasing a record eighth Asean Cup title, travel to Singapore for the first leg of their semi-final on Aug 15 before hosting Gavin Lee’s side in Bangkok three days later.
The final, also to be contested over two legs, is scheduled for Aug 22 and 26.
