PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Under-23 football team had to overcome an early scare before beating Laos 4-1 in their SEA Games opening Group B match at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday (Dec 9).
The Harimau Muda were stunned after Laos took the lead after just four minutes when defender Bounpheng Xaisombut found the back of the net.
Malaysia found their equaliser in the 33rd minute when Haykal Danish Haizon capitalised on a mistake from the Laos defence.
In the second half, forward Haqimi Azim Rosli put Malaysia ahead in the 59th minute after another defensive lapse gave away the opportunity.
Defender Moses Raj then stepped in to add to Laos’ suffering, scoring the Young Tigers’ third goal of the night in the 62nd minute.
Malaysia capped off the night with three points after Mohamad Abu Khalil scored the fourth goal in added time.
Laos has now been eliminated from the competition after suffering their second loss following a 1-2 defeat to Vietnam on Wednesday.
Malaysia will face Vietnam in the final group stage match on Thursday.
