Thailand’s Under-23 national football team is one step closer to SEA Games glory, having defeated Malaysia 1-0 in a tightly contested semifinal match on Monday at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. The victory secures Thailand’s place in the gold medal match against Vietnam on Thursday, December 18th, as they pursue their first men’s football title since 2017 [[2]]. Despite playing a man down for much of the second half, the Thai side held on for a narrow win in front of a home crowd.
Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s Under-23 national team secured their place in the 2025 SEA Games men’s soccer final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Malaysia on Monday, December 15th, at Rajamangala Stadium. The win sends the Thai side into a highly anticipated final matchup against Vietnam.
From the opening whistle, both Thailand and Malaysia demonstrated an attacking intent, creating a lively and competitive semifinal clash. The match quickly settled into a back-and-forth rhythm as each team sought to gain an early advantage.
Thailand struck first in just the 8th minute, courtesy of a stunning free kick from Yotsakorn Burapha. The number nine’s expertly placed strike gave the home side a crucial lead.
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Malaysia nearly responded in the 13th minute, but a header from Danish Hakimi lacked the power to trouble Thai goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman. Two minutes later, the young Harimau Malaya side came even closer, as a cross from Faris Danish rattled the crossbar, narrowly avoiding an equalizer.
The complexion of the match shifted dramatically in the 16th minute when Malaysia’s Aiman Yusuf received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving his team to play a man down for the remainder of the contest.
Despite being reduced to ten players, Malaysia continued to battle, creating several opportunities. However, they were unable to break through the Thai defense, and the hosts carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime.
The second half began with renewed urgency from Malaysia, as Faris Danish skillfully navigated the left side of the penalty area before unleashing a shot that was ultimately saved by the Thai keeper. Thailand quickly countered, with Yotsakorn Burapha nearly doubling the lead in the 70th minute, but his left-footed attempt sailed just wide of the post.
Thailand pressed for a second goal, testing Malaysian goalkeeper Zulhilmi Sharani on multiple occasions. Sharani proved equal to the task, making a series of impressive saves in the 72nd and 74th minutes to deny Thanakrit Chotmuangpak and keep his team within striking distance.
In the dying moments of the match, Malaysia had one final opportunity to level the score, but a header from Moses Raj was safely gathered by the Thai goalkeeper.
Thailand held on to their 1-0 lead, securing their spot in the final. They will now face Vietnam on Thursday, December 18th, in a bid to claim the SEA Games gold medal.
(jun/jun/nva)
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