Failure to hold for 90 minutes led to M'sia's loss - Dollah

The failure of Malaysian players to hold for the full 90 minutes of the final match is the cause of Harimau Malaya's failure to clinch the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup championships at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night.

Thailand lost 2-3 to Malaysia in the second leg of the final after gaining a 2-0 advantage in the first leg at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesday to emerge as champions with a 4-3 aggregate.

"As I said earlier, the players could only last 70 minutes and later lost their directions resulting in Thailand dominating the rest of the game," he told reporters after the second leg final tonight.

Dollah clarified that the decision to take out winger, Indra Putra Mahayuddin and defender, Mohd Afif Amiruddin, who played a major role in the game following injury problems, also contributed to the loss.

In this regard, Dollah said he was satisfied with the performance put up by the national squad considering he only had a short period of time to prepare the team for the biennial football championships.

"I only got about a month to prepare and the success of beating Thailand tonight is a bonus to me. If given more time, I could have made a more detailed preparation," said the Melaka-born coach.

Sharing his view was striker Mohd Amri Yahyah who was satisfied with tonight's victory despite failing to win the cup for the second time after the 2010's edition under the coaching of Datuk K. Rajagobal.

"I'm grateful that we reached the final despite our short preparation period. We lost because of the away goal rule was in effect. All players have shown their highest commitment in each game," said the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) club player.

Meanwhile, Thailand Head Coach, Kiatisuk Senamuang was happy that the Thai squad managed to secure their fourth regional football titles after making it in the previous three editions - 1996, 2000 and 2002 - and also becoming the first individual to taste success as a player and also as a coach.

He was among the members of 1996 winning squad of Thailand who defeated Malaysia in the final match held in Singapore.

"I want to thank the fans and players (for this victory). Before we came here, we had a two-goal advantage, but after trailing 0-3 in the first half, I had a different feeling.

"During the break, I told my players to fight their way back and they managed to do so. I'm proud with all the players for not giving up," Kiatisuk added.