Azkals top Asean ranking, but Thais best

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals may be the top-ranked team in the region but it is Thailand that owns the status of “champion in Southeast Asia”.

After conquering the Azkals in the semis, the War Elephants proceeded to capturing the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 diadem by posting a pulsating 4-3 aggregate victory over Malaysia Saturday night at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Charyl Chappuis and Chanathip Songkrasin struck for late goals to ensure the triumph for the Thai side, which bucked a 2-3 setback in the second leg of the finals to prevail in the two-legged series and lift their fourth crown. The Thais had won the first leg at home, 2-0, to boost their shot at a first title in 12 years.

“I can’t believe it. It was a very exciting game and perfect and beautiful game,” said coach Kiatisuk Senamuang, who incidentally captained the last Thai team that won SEA’s showpiece tournament in 2002.

Thailand’s championship run proved that positioning in the International Football Federation (Fifa) world ranking doesn’t necessarily translate into results in the field.

The Thais are ranked only fourth among Aseans in the yearend Fifa list at 142nd overall, outperforming the No.1 Azkals (130th) as well as Vietnam (137th), and Myanmar (141st).

With 90,000 supporters cheering on, Malaysia put pressure on the Thais by seizing a 3-nil lead in the match, in the process grabbing a one-goal cushion in the series.

But then Swiss Thai Chappuis and “Messi J” Chanathip turned the tables around for the Thais in the last eight minutes.

In good position after a deflection of a Thai free kick, Chappuis gamely fired it home as the visitors levelled the series.

Not content winning the duel via “away goal”, the War Elephants unleashed a searing counter-attack three minutes before time with Chanathip on the offensive end as they left no doubt as to who’s the real boss.

“I knew it would be tough against 90,000 fans but I said to my players to go home if they wanted to play for a 0-0 draw,” said Senamuang.“Malaysia scored three goals and made it a difficult game but I am proud of my team.”