Kuala Lumpur: Tanaboon Kesarat admitted Thailand are happy to return home with having not been beaten after the defending AFF Suzuki Cup champions played out a scoreless draw with Malaysia in the first leg of the semi-finals on Saturday.

Malaysia had the better of the first half at a packed Bukit Jalil Stadium and spurned a number of chances to take the lead with both Safawi Rasid and Mohamadou Sumareh failing give their side the lead their dominance deserved.

The visitors came back into the game after the interval but goal-scoring opportunities were at a premium, although Norshahrul Idlan could have won it for the hosts but volleyed over the bar late on.

“It is very hard to play in Malaysia; they attacked well and we tried to defend well and catch them on the counter-attack,” said Tanaboon

“We were quite lucky not to let a goal in but we worked very hard for the clean sheet. We’re disappointed not to score but at least we didn’t lose.

“We are happy with the result and now have the home game in Thailand to come in four days’ time.”

Thailand are aiming for an unprecedented third AFF Suzuki Cup in succession after defeating Malaysia to lift the 2014 title and then Indonesia two years ago.

The War Elephants have played three games at Rajamangala Stadium in the current campaign and won them all, but their task will become trickier should Malaysia score an away goal.

Milovan Rajevac’s side are the top scorers in the tournament having netted 15 in the group stage, although after drawing a first blank so far, they will hope their attackers are at their prolific best on Wednesday.

“We have to get a good result as we want to win and go through to the final,” added Tanaboon.

“It’s very important that the fans come and fill the stadium because it’s going to be the deciding match. We want everyone to come and cheer us on.”

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