Bangkok: Defending champions Thailand had to be patient to see off the challenge of Malaysia at Rajamangala Stadium on Saturday, earning a 1-0 win.
The seven-time winners, returning to action for the first time since the 10-0 dismantling of Timor-Leste, found Malaysia hard to break down in the first half.
But the deadlock was finally broken on 57 minutes when Patrick Gustavsson bagged what proved to be the winner. It was his second goal in as many matches and first for Thailand on home soil.
The first shot, though, came with just 30 seconds played, Thailand’s captain Peeradol Chamrasamee with a powerful low drive from way outside the box but Malay goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli was equal to it.
Another long ranger came on three minutes, this time through Suphanat Mueanta but his effort blazed over. Shooting on sight of goal seemed to be a deliberate tactic in the earlier part of the match. Perhaps because Malaysia had set up in a back five and were content to try and contain the War Elephants and their four-tusk attack.
A Patrick Gustavsson chance from the six-yard line whistled just past the post on eight minutes, signalling that Thailand were getting closer. Malaysia’s first shot came in the 10th minute after Fazrul Amir won the ball back high up the pitch but, all on his own had little option other than to let loose from long range.
A better chance came from a corner a couple of minutes later with Sergio Aguero finding Endrick Dos Santos with a well-thought-out corner routine but the cushioned volley on the edge of the box went wide.
The first half was spent with Thailand trying to break through a well-organised Malaysia side and, despite the hosts dominating possession, ended goalless.
The second half began with Malaysia showing more willingness to get forward. This led to free-kicks being won high up the pitch and a couple of teasing corners, but a goal and a first shot on target continued to evade Pau Marti Vicente’s side.
Thailand were a little more subdued in the opening 10 minutes of the second half and were still looking to add to their one shot on target.
The goal eventually came on 57 minutes with Thailand punishing a Malaysia goalkeeper error. Haziq Nadzli attempted to clear a back pass but the ball cannoned off Suphanat who calmly and unselfishly teed up Gustavsson who sent the ball into the back of an unguarded net.
It proved to be a game of few shots on target, more so for Malaysia, but one which Thailand were able to win in front of their own supporters, ensuring back-to-back victories and clean sheets to start the tournament.
Thailand leapfrog Malaysia and Singapore into top spot in Group A on goal difference. Thailand's next match is Singapore away on Tuesday 17 December, before Malaysia will host Singapore for their next game on Friday 20 December.
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