Harimau Malaya beat Laos to top Asean Cup group

 Malaysia now top Group B with six points from two games, ahead of Thailand and Myanmar, who are tied on three points.

Malaysia’s Mohamadou Sumareh (second from right) celebrating with his teammates after scoring a goal during their 2026 Asean Cup Group B match between Malaysia and Laos at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium tonight. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

Malaysia maintained their strong start to the 2026 Asean Cup campaign after defeating Laos 4-0 in their second Group B match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras tonight.

Malaysia now top Group B with six points, ahead of Thailand and Myanmar, who are tied on three points, while the Philippines and Laos remain without points.

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Although Malaysia dominated much of the first half, Laos created several dangerous chances, forcing Malaysian goalkeeper Azri Ghani to make several important saves to deny the visitors.

The hosts also had opportunities in the first half, and their persistence paid off in the final minute when winger G Pavithran delivered a pass from the left to captain Paulo Josue, who calmly slotted home to give Malaysia the lead.

Azri was tested again early in the second half, denying Laotian substitute Chony Wenpaserth’s attempt on goal.

Malaysia doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Pavithran’s cross from the left found midfielder Endrick Dos Santos for the team’s second goal.

Malaysia extended their lead nine minutes later after Laotian defender Viengay Sitdavong scored an own goal while attempting to clear Mohamadou Sumareh’s shot.

United States-based player Wan Ahmad Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal completed the scoring for Malaysia in the 84th minute with a well-taken free kick.

Malaysia will next travel to Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok to face seven-time champions Thailand on Saturday. - FMT