Malaysia U23 vs Thailand U23

Malaysia U23 and Thailand U23 are set to square off in the second round of the AFC U23 Asian Cup at the Milliy Stadion.

It’s been an abysmal start to Group C for Malaysia as they conceded three second-half goals to lose 4-1 to their South Korean counterparts in the opening fixture. Unfortunately for the Malaysians, that thumping defeat forms part of an underwhelming five-game winless streak (D3, L2). Malaysia’s porous defence conceded 2+ goals three times during that five-match sequence. Despite their sticky patch, the ‘Young Tigers’ have been fun to watch this calendar year. Indeed, five of their seven international matches in 2022 have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring, with four of them featuring 4+ total goals. By contrast, three of their five previous meetings with Thailand have contained under 1.5 goals.

On the other hand, Thailand hit back twice to hold Vietnam to a 2-2 draw in their Group C curtain-raiser, including a 91st-minute equaliser. It looks as if Worrawoot Srimaka’s men are still licking their wounds following a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Vietnam in the Southeast Asian Games grand final in May. But the ‘War Elephants’ will hope to get back to winning ways against a side they’ve failed to beat in both previous H2Hs (D1, L1). Much of those hopes will hinge on a flying start, as each of their five wins in 2022 has seen them break the deadlock and keep a clean sheet. Indeed, Thailand have failed to win all ten internationals in which they conceded first since the start of 2020 (D3, L7).