Malaysia have capitalised on a numerical advantage for the entire second half to come from behind and beat record 16-time gold medallists Thailand 2-1 in their opening Group B game at the 31st Southeast Asian Games.
Perennial favourites Thailand were initially on course for victory when Patrik Gustavsson fired them ahead in the 33rd minute with a classic bit of centre forward play.
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As he received possession just inside the area with his back to goal -- and surrounded by three opponents -- Gustavsson somehow managed to spin and wriggle his way free before getting enough on his shot to send it trickling past Azri Ghani.
But just four minutes before halftime, the Thais found themselves down to ten men when Jonathan Khemdee was shown a straight red for a last-man foul, cynically tugging back Syahir Bashah as he attempted to race through on goal.
With the numerical advantage, Malaysia eventually equalised a minute after the hour mark as a determined Mukhairi Ajmal forced his way free down the right before whipping in a cross that Danial Asri managed to divert past Kawin Thamsatchanan with his knee.
As the game entered its closing stages, the Malaysians looked the likelier of the two teams to grab the winner but it seemed as though they would not be able to find a way past an inspired Kawin for a second time.
Just when it looked like a draw was on the cards, Malaysia would finally snatch when another industrious move down the right saw Kawin initially do brilliantly to deny Hadi Fayyadh from close range, although he was helpless to prevent a composed Azfar Fikri Azhar from collecting the loose ball and forcing a follow-up effort over the line with the last meaningful kick of the contest.
Having picked up maximum points from their toughest assignment -- on paper at least -- in Group B, the Malaysians will now enjoy a short break before returning to action against Laos on Wednesday, while Thailand will be looking to bounce back on Monday against Singapore.