KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia failed to reach the AFF Futsal Championship semi-finals following a 4-2 defeat to Thailand in their final Group A match at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok yesterday.
Thailand, the reigning champions, scored through Tanapol Maneepetch (seventh minute), Sarawut Phalaphruek (29th and 34th) and Kritsada Wongkaeo (39th).
Farhan Khairul Anuar replied for Malaysia in the 12th and 27th minutes.
The Malaysians gave the 15-time champions Thailand anxious moments and even took the lead in the second half.
However, the Thais turned on the heat against Malaysia to take the win.
With the win, Thailand topped the group on goal difference over Indonesia, who collected 10 points each. Both teams will play in the semi-finals.
Malaysia finished third with six points from four matches.
In Group B, Myanmar and Vietnam each collected seven points, with the former finishing ahead on goal difference.
The top three teams in the tournament will qualify for the Futsal Asian Cup in Kuwait later this year.