Malaysia ratings: vs Thailand

Despite dominating their first leg AFF Cup semis encounter against Thailand, hosts Malaysia weren't able to put the ball in the back of the net.

The first leg of Malaysia vs Thailand AFF Championship semi-final match ended goalless, but surely the hosts are left frustrated at not converting the many chances they had in an encounter which they dominated. Find out who shone in the match. 

Malaysia vs Thailand match highlights

Farizal Marlias -  7/10

The custodian again turned in a dependable performance, shutting out the few chances had by Thailand, and even intercepting dangerous passes outside his penalty area.

Syahmi Safari - 7/10

The right back showed composure and confidence to help his side break Thailand's defence, and was there when he needed to defend. But when he needed to deliver a threatening cross into the danger area, his deliveries were often left wanting.

Aidil Zafuan - 7/10

The centre back showed great awareness to intercept any Thailand passes sent behind the Malaysia defence line. 

Shahrul Saad - 7/10

The younger of the two Malaysia centre backs combined well with his partner, making sure the opposition attackers could not penetrate into the danger area. 

Syazwan Andik Ishak - 7/10

The left back showed improvement in the match, cutting down on minor errors and getting involved in the attack. But his night was cut short by what looked like a muscle pull, midway through the second half.

Akram Mahinan - 6/10 

Another no-frills performance by the midfielder, getting stuck in before turning over the ball to the forwards. Received a booking early in the encounter.

Syamer Kutty Abba - 6/10

The midfielder helped Malaysia control the game, while constantly ensuring he was not too far from the defence line.

Mohamadou Sumareh - 7/10 (Best Performer)

Mohamadou Sumareh (right). Photo from AFF/Lagardere

The right winger was the most threatening Malaysian attacker on the pitch, repeatedly penetrating through the Thailand defence. However, he was hampered by his lack of clinical finishing and decision-making, in match that saw the hosts register 13 shots, with only two of them on target and none ending in the back of the net. He had to come off in the 64th minute with what looked like fatigue.

Norshahrul Idlan Talaha - 6/10

The forward was his hardworking self as usual, but this time his finishing touches left him.

Safawi Rasid - 6/10

The young left winger was a frustrating and frustrated figure throughout the clash. The 2018 Malaysia Super League Most Valuable Player has yet to score in the tournament, and he was visibly getting more and more desperate to break his duck, which towards the end of the match affected his judgment. Received a booking late in the first half for a foul that was clumsy more than anything else. 

Zaquan Adha - 6/10

The striker, who in their 3-0 win against Myanmar last weekend was even scoring using his face, found no such luck against the Thais. He rarely found himself in a good place to receive the ball despite multiple Malaysian incursions into the penalty box, and could not extend his goal tally in the tournament.

Substitutions:

Hazwan Bakri - 6/10

The forward made his fourth appearance in this edition, coming on for Sumareh, but he too could not help Malaysia find the back of the net.

Nazirul Naim - 6/10

The defender came on in place of Syazwan, and did enough to make sure the opponents did not get an away goal.

Shahrel Fikri Fauzi - N/A

Late substitution for Zaquan with 10 minutes remaining on the clock, but could not help break the deadlock.

Keep updated on the 2018 AFF Championship!