KUALA LUMPUR: A young, largely amateur Laos squad say they are determined to spring a surprise against Malaysia in the AFF Hyundai Cup even after a huge loss against Thailand.
Laos lost 0-5 to the mighty Thais in their Group B opening game on Saturday and will face Harimau Malaya at the Cheras Football Stadium here today.
Laos coach Vladica Grujic acknowledged the gulf in professionalism between the two footballing nations but has been working to lift his players’ spirits following the heavy defeat.
“In Laos, we play in an amateur league but in Malaysia, it is a professional league.
“However, of course we can cause a surprise,” he said. “Football is full of crazy things – you can win, or you can lose like we lost our last game against Thailand 5-0.
“That was a big slap for us, but last year we played 1-1 against them. You never know what happens. We respect Malaysia, and we will be looking for our opportunities tomorrow.”
Laos will also be without captain Bounpachan Bounkong, who is injured, and will be missing Phetdavanh Somsanid after his red card in the loss to Thailand.
“One player is injured – our captain, a very important player for us. We miss him very much.
“And the red card as well... But we had seven weeks of preparation, and I have 26 players in the squad. Everyone is ready to help the team, and we will do our best,” said Grujic.
Midfielder Khonesavanh Keonuchanh said the squad had put the Thailand result behind them.
“Our heads were down, but the competition is not over,” said Khonesavanh.
“We have to keep our heads up, analyse the mistakes from before, and keep playing as we prepared when we were in Vietnam (during league).”
