Thailand coach Mano Polking blamed a red card handed to defender Jonathan Khemdee late in the first half for a shock 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Malaysia in the opening Group G match of the Vietnam SEA Games on Saturday night.
Substitute Nur Azfar Fikri Azhar emerged as Malaysia’s hero for grabbing an injury-time winner to rock Thailand, who have won the men’s football competition at the SEA Games 16 times.
Azhar’s winner came after Danial Asri had put Malaysia on par with the War Elephants just after the hour mark.
Thailand were given the lead in the 33rd minute when Patrik Gustavsson pounced on a defensive mistake to score.
Polking told media after the match that the red card to…
