Malaysia must beat Japan in their final Group A match at the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship after losing 4-2 to Thailand on Sunday.

Lim Teong Kim's young charges, who opened their campaign with a 6-2 thrashing of Tajikistan, came from behind to draw level with the Thais twice before a red card for Luqman Hakim Shamsudin in the 50th minute changed the game.

Thailand then capitalised on their man advantage to net two more goals and secure their win.



The defeat put Malaysia third in the group behind Thailand and group leaders Japan, who drew 0-0 with Tajikistan.

Due to their inferior head-to-head record against Thailand, a win against the Samurai Blue on Wednesday is a must for Malaysia to progress to the knockout stage and remain in contention to qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Both teams last faced each other in last year's AFC U-16 Championship qualification, which Japan won comprehensively 4-0.