In a lopsided match dominated by Chanwit Pholchivin's side, the Burmese looked to have claimed an undeserved victory with a first-half goal until Suchao fired home at the death to rescue a valuable point for the three-time champions.

"The turning point was that we conceded an early goal and we failed to convert our chances in as many as 13 goal attempts," said Chanwit, reflecting on the game.

"We have to give the Man of the Match to the Burmese keeper, who played really well. I'm still satisfied with our overall performance today."

Despite failing to get off to a winning start, Thailand could draw a positive note from the result, as the Burmese were regarded as the strongest opponents in the group, which includes Malaysia and the Philippines. The draw means that the Kingdom is still on course in their attempt to reclaim the title they last won four years ago.

Having seen his side fail to hang onto their lead, which came from their first attempt on goal, Sann Win, the Burmese coach lamented: "We tried to get three points. Unfortunately, we conceded the goal in the last moment of the game. But Thailand did well and deserved to get the draw, which seemed to be a fair result. We hope to win in the last two matches."

Heading into the biennial competition with confidence sky high, Chanwit's men - roared on by the boisterous crowd - wasted little time in exerting their authority on the game, leaving the visitors on the back foot from the outset.

Thailand almost took the lead as early as the second minute, when the Burmese keeper made a mess of a routine right-side cross only for dynamic midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao to send his shot just inches wide of the target. Then the game became one-way traffic, as the hosts launched waves of attacking in order to find the breakthrough against the stubborn visitors.

However, the game took a shock twist as the visitors took the lead in the 25th minute, when Si Thu Win out-jumped Niwat Siriwong to send a powerful header into the back of the net, leaving the partisan crowd in silence. The Kingdom regrouped and laid siege on the Burma goal only for a combination of some fine saves from the goalie and poor finishing to keep the score unchanged, ensuring Chanwit had much work to do at half-time. The hosts came out from the tunnel with renewed vigour and went straight onto the front foot to find a way to get back into the game.

With time ticking away, it looked increasingly like it was not the night for Chanwit's men until Suchao equalised with the last kick of the game. He received a pass from second-half substitution Sarayoot Chaikamdee inside the crowded box before rifling his shot high to the roof of the net. The stadium exploded with wild celebration.

In yesterday's other match, Malaysia beat the Philippines 4-0.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation