Malaysia were left to rue their poor finishing as their 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final first leg match against Thailand finished 0-0 on Saturday.
When Safawi Rasid blasted an effort over the bar in the fourth minute, little did anyone think that it would be the trend throughout the night at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
The Harimau Malaya, who controlled the game from start to finish, attempted 15 shots on goal against the defending champions but only two found the target.
Naturalised winger Mohamadou Sumareh, who went off injured after the hour mark, arguably had Malaysia's best chance of the night as a fast break caught Thailand's defence flat-footed in the 25th minute.
Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak darted his way into the Thais' penalty box and set up an unmarked Sumareh, who put his effort wide with only goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom to beat.
As for Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, despite being Malaysia's top scorer at the tournament with four goals, he missed several chances including striking the ball over the bar inside the six-yard box in the 65th minute.
While Malaysia struggled to finish, Thailand on the other hand were unable to create chances and had no shots on target.
Their most notable effort coming in the 23rd minute when Supachai Jaided dinked the ball over the Malaysia backline for Nurul Sriyankem, whose shot was brilliantly blocked by onrushing defender Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak.
The second leg will take place on December 5 at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, where a score draw will be enough to seal Malaysia's spot in the final.
Seng Foo Lee
Sat Dec 01 2018
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