Thailand moved to the top of Group B in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 after a disciplined 2-0 win over Malaysia at Rajamangala National Stadium, with goals from Yotsakon Burapha and Teerasak Poeiphimai securing a crucial three points.
BANGKOK: Thailand produced a composed display to defeat Malaysia 2-0 and climb to the top of Group B in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 at Rajamangala National Stadium on Saturday.
Yotsakon Burapha opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 38th minute before Teerasak Poeiphimai doubled the advantage in the 56th minute, handing Anthony Hudson’s side another important victory while keeping a clean sheet.
Hudson praised his players for executing the game plan and showing resilience despite fitness concerns late in the match.
“First of all, I am incredibly proud of the players. For large periods of the match, I thought we played some very good football,” he said.
“The closing stages are something we are aware of and, over the course of the tournament, we need to continue improving the players’ fitness levels.
“Towards the end, we were holding on a little because four or five players were suffering from cramp and other physical issues. However, I am very proud of the players for keeping a clean sheet, playing some very good football and securing another positive result in the tournament.”
Hudson also revealed Yotsakon earned penalty-taking duties after winning a spot-kick competition during training the previous day.
“The real reason was that we held a penalty competition during training yesterday, and he won it. He looked the most confident, converted all of his penalties and some of the other players involved did not score as many.
“That was why he was selected. Ultimately, you want someone who feels confident in that moment, and I was confident that he would score.”
Midfielder Sarach Yooyen, who was named Hyundai Player of the Match, credited Thailand’s teamwork for the victory.
“I am pleased with my performance, but the most important thing was the way we played together as a team. We showed strong teamwork and a good connection between the players.
“We also achieved the target we had set as a team, so I am very pleased with our overall performance tonight.”
Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe admitted Thailand deserved the win but believes the experience will benefit his youthful squad.
“As a coach, I think we lost to a better team. However, it was a good experience for these young players to face strong opponents, gain exposure and prepare themselves for the future.
“The result was certainly frustrating for the entire team, but I know the players gave their best throughout the 90 minutes.”
Despite the defeat, Tan remains confident Malaysia can still secure a place in the knockout stage when they host the Philippines on Aug 8.
“We still have one more match, at home against the Philippines on August 8. As a coach, I continue to believe that we have a good chance of progressing to the next round.
“As I have said, this tournament has provided valuable experience and exposure for our young and uncapped players.”
Both coaches also acknowledged the support from the fans, with Hudson describing the home crowd as “amazing”, while Tan thanked Malaysian supporters both in the stadium and watching from home.
Thailand will next face the Philippines on Aug 4, while Malaysia will return home for a decisive Group B clash against the same opponents four days later.
