Thailand Beats Malaysia, Tops Group B in AFC Cup Qualifier
Thailand defeated Malaysia 2-0 in an AFC Cup qualifier on August 1st to move atop Group B with six points, with goals from Yodsokr Boorpha and Theersakdi Phimphoem securing the home victory at Rajamangala Stadium.
Thailand's national team, though subdued early in the match, proved more clinical in front of goal and convincingly defeated Malaysia to take six points and move top of Group B in the 2026 Hyundai Cup AFC Championship qualifier on August 1st. Thailand played their second match against Malaysia at Rajamangala Stadium, having recently beaten Laos 5-0 in their opener, while Malaysia came into the game with two matches played, edging Myanmar 2-1 and demolishing Laos 4-0 for a full six points.
English manager Anthony Hudson made one change to the starting lineup from the Laos victory, bringing in emerging left-back Usamma Thiangkam in place of Wanchai Jarunagraaj. In the opening ten minutes, despite playing at home, Malaysia dominated possession and created more scoring chances. After twenty minutes, Thailand began to assert control, and by the 35th minute a VAR check led the referee to award a penalty to the home side. Yodsokr Boorpha converted the spot-kick to give Thailand a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute, which remained the only goal of the first half.
In the second half, Thailand made a substitution with Worchit Kanitsribamphen replacing Chaiyapol Odtorn, and just five minutes into the half at the 55th minute, Theersakdi Phimphoem fired in from close range inside the penalty area to extend Thailand's lead to 2-0. The match was attended by 16,037 fans. Thailand's victory brought them level with Malaysia on six points but ahead on goal difference to reclaim top spot in the group. Thailand's next match will be an away trip to the Philippines at New Clark City Stadium in Capas at 8:00 p.m., where they will have an excellent opportunity to secure a spot in the semi-final.
