Three time champions Thailand put themselves in a good position to win their first AFF Suzuki Cup title in a dozen years with a 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the first leg of the final in Bangkok.
Kiatisuk Senamuang's side scored twice in the last 20 minutes -- including a Charyl Chappuis goal from the penalty spot -- against a Malaysian team who had fought valiantly for the most the match.
After their 3-2 group stage win over the same opponents last month, the Thais were strong favourites in front of their home fans at the Rajamangala Stadium but wary of Malaysia's away form. During the tournament, Dollah Salleh's side had beaten both Singapore and Vietnam on the road, scoring seven goals in the process.
Malaysia received a boost before kickoff with captain Mohamed Shukor Adan passed fit after a back injury to take his place in central defence. Striker Safee Sali, who missed the semifinal second leg after a training mishap, started on the bench.
A very open beginning to the game saw attacking midfielder Amri Yahyah with two chances within the first five minutes. In the third minute, his free header from close range was directed straight at Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.
Two minutes later, he created space from himself on the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful shot that failed to find the target.
The home nation had three corners in the first 15 minutes as they applied pressure of their own. After Mongkol Tossakai headed wide in the fifth minute, fellow midfielder Krirkrit Thaweekarn went close two minutes later.
The pace from both sides was frenetic. But the match then settled down into a more controlled rhythm with fewer chances as some strong tackles flew in.
Thailand had a shot on target in the 31st minute when Sarach Yooyen let fly with a left footed shot from the edge of the box that Malaysia goalkeeper Mohd Marlias comfortably dealt with.
Malaysia had a chance of their own six minutes later when a mix-up at the back gave Norshahrul Talaha a sniff in the box before the ball was booted behind for a corner.
The best opening of the half fell to Thailand two minutes before the break when Kraisorn Adisak broke clear to go one-on-one with Mohd Marlias in the box. But a timely intervention by Mohamed Shukor Adan saved the day to keep it 0-0 at the break.
In the second half, Thailand pushed harder for the opening goal. After Mongkol Tossakai let fly with a powerful shot in the 54th minute, Kraisorn Adisak followed a throw in deep in the box and put his effort on target.
Malaysia had chances of their own after the hour through Norshahrul Talaha and Amri Yahyah, but it was the home side who were on top.
The breakthrough came when Kraisorn was brought down in the box by a clumsy challenge from Fadhli Shas in the 70th minute.
Chappuis Charyl converted the spot kick in the bottom left corner to give Thailand a 1-0 lead even though Mohd Marlias guessed the right way with his dive.
Coach Salleh made a double change with Safee Sali and Baddrol Bakhtiar both coming on in the 75th minute. Five minutes later, Baddrol tested Kawin with a long range shot.
In the 86th minute, Thailand picked up a crucial second goal when Chanathip Songkrasin set up Krirkrit Thaweekarn. He finished with his left foot for his third goal of the tournament.
The two teams now travel in Kuala Lumpur's National Stadium for Saturday's second leg which will decide the winners of the 10th Southeast Asian championship. Thailand's last AFF title came in 2002.