It was a disappointing start for the SEA Games champions, who vowed to put an end to accusations of rigged matches and a jinx in the tournament. The Thai team have never made it past the second round in the regional tournament.

Thailand squandered a 2-1 lead at half-time as Burma staged a brilliant fightback to level the game in the second half.

The first goal came from Thailand's star striker Teeratep "Leesaw" Winothai, who capitalised on fine pass from forward Nirut Kamsawad in the 19th minute.

Burma found the equaliser after an erratic save from Thai goalie Weera Kerdputcha. The ball bounced off the goalie and landed at the feet of Si Thu Win, who did not waste his chance and fired it home in the 35th minute.

A minute before half-time, Dussakorn Thonglao delivered the ball to Teeratep, who blasted off a shot from inside the penalty area to score and give his team the upper-hand.

Burma's moment of truth arrived in the 70th minute when the clumsy Weera failed to stop a lob from Aung Myo Than. Si Thu Win saw his opportunity and sent his header into the net.

Thai coach Chanvit Polchivin blamed the upset result partly on his team's limited preparation for the tournament.

"Their performance was okay when compared with the little time we had to practise. We controlled most of the game but made mistakes at crucial stages," said Chanvit, who plans to replace the inexperienced Weera in the next match against Malaysia.

"He failed at the international level. We will consider who will be the best replacement for him and maybe we might need help from Kosin Hathairattanakul," added Chanvit, who is determined to win the team's remaining two matches for a chance to play for the title.

Burmese team manager U Tin Aung was happy to see his team stay neck-and-neck with the powerful Thai side. "It's not easy to play a strong team like Thailand. I'm glad that we finished with a tie. It's good experience for my team before next year's SEA Games," the Burmese manager said.

Thailand will next play Malaysia on Friday at 7.45pm (Bangkok time). They will play their last match on Sunday against Indonesia. The top two teams from the round-robin will compete in the final next Tuesday.

Yingrak Raksuwan

The Nation

Kuala Lumpur