Malaysia are capable overturning a two-goal deficit to win their second AFF Suzuki Cup title, according to head coach Dollah Salleh.
The 2010 champions host Thailand at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, having lost 2-0 in Wednesday's away leg in Bangkok.
"We still have 90 minutes to go. It's not easy to play in the second leg after losing 0-2, but, in football, anything can happen and I'm confident we can do better at the (National Stadium) in Bukit Jalil," Dollah told www.affsuzukicup.com.
The Malaysians fought valiantly for almost three quarters of the game before Kiatisuk Senamuang's side took control in the last 20 minutes. The penalty awarded by referee Kovalenko Valentin of Uzbekistan in the 70th minute was the turning point of the match.
The introduction of Prakit Deeprom in the 69th minute made a huge difference. Just a minute later, Kraisorn Adisak turned in the box only to be hacked down by Fadhli Shas who had a torrid night at the Rajamangala Stadium.
"The sudden penalty spoiled everything," Dollah said.
Thailand coach Kiatisuk revealed that his side took a more cautious approach to ensure that they wouldn't concede against a Malaysian team who'd beaten Vietnam and Singapore on the road, earlier in the tournament.
The visitors started the game brightly, with two chances to attacking midfielder Amri Yahyah in the first five minutes. But the home side weathered the storm and gradually took the upper hand.
"We played more defensive but sometimes moved into attack," he said. "Most importantly, the referee did a good job despite some questionable decisions.
"We have full confidence of winning the cup for the fourth time after having won in 1996, 2000 and 2002."
Malaysia's 2010 Suzuki Cup triumph under K. Rajagobal was set up by a 3-0 home leg victory over Indonesia in the final. An identical result would be enough to earn Harimau Malaya their second AFF title.