Thailand Dash Malaysia's Hopes Of Reaching AFF U-15 Final

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- The national football Under 15 (U-15) squad’s hopes of reaching the final of the 2017 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-15 Football Championship were dashed after losing 0-1 to archrivas, Thailand in the semi-finals at the Chonburi Stadium in Bangkok Thursday. Jakkrapong Sanmahung turned out to be the hero for the hosts when he scored the winning goal in the 17th minute for Thailand to reach the final for the fourth time, according to AFF website;www.aseanfootball.org In the other semi-final match, two-time winners Vietnam upset defending champions Australia 2-0 at the same venue, Thursday night. Malaysia will play against Australia in the 3/4th classification match. Vietnam will square-off with Thailand in the final.Both matches will be held at the same venue on Saturday. The 12th edition of the annual tournament held since 2002 features 12 countries with Australia leading the Group A challenge with Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar and Singapore. Group B comprises Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia. For the record, Malaysia emerged victorious in 2013 by defeating Indonesia 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out after both teams were tied 1-1 after regulation time. It was previously played as an U-16 tournament. The new age group was only introduced this year. -- BERNAMA