Thailand meets Malaysia in the SEA Games final

The defending champions will face the hosts after both sides claimed 1-0 wins in the semi-finals.

Chenrop Samphaodi's header in the second half's stoppage time helped Thailand beat Myanmar. Before that, the Thai team dominated the game for most of the time and created good chances but could not take advantage.

The clearest chance of the first half came when Chaiyawat Buran hit the post, the result of a simple attacking combination that was executed well by three Thai players.The ball was hung high to Chenrop's position so that this player could create a wall for Nattawut to make a pass.Chaiyawat moved very quickly to a good position to receive the ball but his left foot flick hit the post and went out.

Early in the second half, Htike Htike Aung had a free kick from 28m that forced goalkeeper Nont Muangngam to fly to block. This was the most dangerous situation Myanmar created in this match.

Thailand has once again proven its mettle as a giant in Southeast Asia. Photo: Bangkokpost.

Shortly after, Sasalak faced the Myanmar goalkeeper but the defender's left-footed shot was not able to beat San Sat Naing. Myanmar defended very patiently for the rest of the match. However, late in the second half, their players lost their composure after a collision betweenThiha Htet Aung andChenrop. The result isHlaing Bo Bo was booked and minutes later, a lapse in concentration from the defenders cost Myanmar.

There were five Myanmar players in the penalty area but they let their opponent's most dangerous striker escape. Thailand, once again, showed their mettle as a regional giant when they launched a powerful attack to defeat their opponent.

In the other semi-final, Malaysia also beat Indonesia thanks to a header in the final minutes of the match. The hero of the home team was strikerNadarajahThanabalan.

Indonesia dominated the first half but were unable to convert their advantage into goals. Malaysia played better after the break and were especially dangerous from set pieces.Thanabalan came from a corner kick with just four minutes left in the second half.

Thailand has won the men's football championship at the SEA Games 15 times while Malaysia has won six times. In 2001, the last time the SEA Games were held in Malaysia, the host team also met Thailand in the final but lost 0-1.

According to VNE