A single strike from Jakkrapong Sanmahung early in the first half was enough to give Thailand a close 1-0 win over Malaysia and a place in the final of the AFF Under-15 Championship 2017.
In the match that was played at the Chonburi Stadium, an innocuous strike from Jakkrapong in the 17th minute bounced into goal when Malaysian custodian Muhammad Daniel Akmal Faqrol Rizal were caught out mis-communicating with defender Muhammad Danish Ishak.
But the sign was already there in the fourth minute where the failure to give and keep clear signal among the Malaysian backline saw Kittiphong Khetpara robbing the ball but his poor pass saw the chance being wasted.
It was end to end action all the way as the Malaysians continued to press in search of the equaliser while for Thailand they were in no immediate hurry to extend their advantage.
The best that Malaysia could muster in the first half was a header from Muhammad Danial Amali that went well over the Thai goal.
The second half saw Thailand taking more control as the Malaysian defence stood firm to prevent any changes to the scoreline.
A strike from Sarawut Soawaros in the 67th minute rocked the Malaysian woodwork as the Malaysians continued to be frustrated with their failure to get a shot in or even create clear spaces in the Thai box.
In the end, the score remained as Thailand booked their first final in two years.
