Malaysians dream of seeing their country lifting the AFF Suzuki Cup for the second time came crashing down when goalkeeper Farizal Marlias failed to deal properly a freekick taken by Thailand Kroekrit Thawikan and the loose ball tucked away by Charyl Chappuis with eight minutes to go.
The Tigers had completed a stirring comeback after losing the first leg 2-0 at the Rajamanggala on Wednesday.
Safiq Rahim early penalty after a soft foul on Norshahrul Idlan Talaha paved the way for Malaysia to pile on the pressure on the Thais with the Ultras Malaya providing the vocal push.
Bukit Jalil Stadium erupted in even louder roar when Indra Putra Mahyudin's header trickled into the net during the first half injury time after a good delivery by Norshahrul from the right.
Two minutes under the hour mark Safiq produced a stunning strike, this time from a freekick just outside the box to beat Thailand goalkeeper, Kawin Thamsatchanan to put Malaysia into the lead for the first time in the series.
The goal was Safiq's sixth of the tournament which eventually made him the topscorer which came with the Golden Boot award.
However the majority at the stadium knew that Malaysia really needed another goal to kill off the Thais who needed just a goal to gain the advantage on away goals rule.
What the Malaysians feared the most became a reality in the 82nd minute with the error committed by Farizal.
With the score 3-1 to the Malaysian Tigers but the Thais having the away goal advantage, Dollah Salleh's men had no choice but to take the match to the visitors, risking themselves to the quick counter-attack by Thailand.
The gamble did not pay off as Thailand managed to get their second goal two minutes from time through a quick counter-attack which ended when Farizal was left grasping thin air as Chanathip Songkrasin's shot went past him.
Just prior to this goal substitutes Gary Steven Robart and Muslim Ahmad came close with their efforts.
With their team needing to score two quick goals to win the trophy, the home fans knew their dream was over.
At the final whistle the score read Malaysia 3 Thailand 2 but the home side lost 4-3 on aggregate.
It was great to see the Thai players honouring the home fans with their lap of honour and the fans gave them a full hearted applause in return.
Credit too must be given to Dollah Salleh who rode the criticism throughout the tournament to get the team to the final, something that not many believe would happen prior to the tournament.
Including me.
