KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia drew 0-0 with Thailand in an AFC Under-23 qualifier at the MFF Football Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Momgolia, today.
The stalemate was enough to qualify Brad Maloney's boys for the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan next year.
Malaysia will join Japan, Australia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and hosts Uzbekistan as the teams who have qualified for the tournament proper.
Against Thailand, the Malaysians needed only one point from the match to finish top of the group, and they did just that. Malaysia had beaten Laos 1-0 and Mongolia 1-0 earlier this week.
Against the Thais, the young Tigers pressed a lot in the first half and created three chances but none of their shots were on target.
Malaysia's first attempt came in the 17th minute but defender Zikri Khalili kicked his shot wide while captain Mukhairi Ajmal's attempt in the 31st minute went too far left of the post. Striker Azhad Harraz Arman also made a goal attempt in the 37th minute.
Malaysia's closest attempt was in the 63rd minute as centreback Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar's header hit the goalpost.
Maloney's team played more aggressively in the second half but Thailand also pressed as hard.