Malaysia Emerge As Group A Winner In AFF U-18 Football Meet

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia emerged as the group A winner in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-18 Youth Football Championship despite sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Thailand in their last preliminary match in Yangon, Myanmar, Tuesday. Both teams are tied on 13 points after playing five matches but Malaysia emerged as the group winner with a better goal advantage. In Tuesday's match, Malaysia under the tutelage of Bojan Hodak only managed to break the deadlock in the 49th minute after Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat slotted home a cross from substitute Muhammad Nurfais Johari. Thailand, however, managed to level the score when skipper Kritsada Kaman tapped in a free kick from Naravit Kaosantia in the 63rd minute. Malaysia and Thailand will have to wait for the winner and runner-up from Group B which will be concluded Wednesday. Vietnam currently lead Group B with a maximum nine points while Myanmar and Indonesia share six points each after playing three matches but Myanmar is in the second spot with a better goal advantage. -- BERNAMA