Fifth time unlucky for Malaysia in AFF U-18 Cup

Thailand prevented Malaysia from winning their first ever AFF U-18 Youth Championship after defeating them 2-0 in the final on Sunday.

It was the fifth time the young Tigers finished runners-up at the tournament, having done so in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Ekanit Panya and Kritsada Kaman scored two goals in the space of three minutes after the break to give the Thais the lead that they would not relinquish despite being down to 10 men later.

Wudtichai Kumkeam was sent off in the 67th minute but Bojan Hodak's boys failed to capitalise on their one-man advantage to break down Thailand at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

They could've halved the deficit when they were awarded an injury-time penalty, but Zafuan Azeman's effort was saved.

Malaysia, who started the tournament by beating Laos 4-1, Singapore 3-1, Timor-Leste 3-0 and holding Thailand 1-1 in Group A, reached the final after emerging victorious in a penalty shootout against Myanmar following a 0-0 draw in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Indonesia finished third after thumping Myanmar 7-1.