SINGAPORE, Dec 22: Reigning champions Thailand joined Malaysia in the Tiger Cup semifinals after securing the point they needed in a 1-1 draw with co-hosts Singapore on Sunday.

Striker Worawoot Srimaka opened the scoring for Thailand, only to see his 15th minute header cancelled out by Noor Ali in controversial circumstances one minute from the break.

The home side, who needed a win to qualify for the last four, pressed bravely forward in the second half and came agonisingly close to the winning goal on several occasions.

“We are in the semi-final although I still believe we haven’t been playing particularly well,” Thailand coach Peter Withe said.

“This was a very good match considering the conditions of the pitch. Both teams tried to play good football when really the surface didn’t warrant it.”

In another match, Malaysia drew 1-1 with Laos to top Group B.

The young Malaysians, who produced stunning victories over Singapore and Thailand to seal their semi-final berth, went ahead in the 27th minute through a penalty by Mohamad Nizam Jamil after Mohamad Nizarrudin Yusoff was brought down in the box.

But the joy was short-lived as Laos equalised two minutes later, skipper Chalana Luang-Amath’s free kick finding striker Visay Phaphouvann who nodded home the equaliser.—Reuters