Harimau Malaya Dominates Laos 4-0 in ASEAN Cup Clash

Harimau Malaya, Malaysia's national football team, comfortably secured three points in their second ASEAN Cup 2026 Group B match, defeating Laos 4-0. The victory, played at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, was witnessed by 10,044 loyal supporters.

Although the team started somewhat slowly in the first half, they managed to create several dangerous opportunities to break down Laos' defense, which was largely concentrated in their own half. However, a counter-attack by Laos in the 25th minute nearly caught Malaysia off guard when Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone's shot was saved by Malaysian goalkeeper Azri Ghani.

Malaysia's breakthrough came just before halftime. In the 32nd minute, Endrick dos Santos' shot went wide of the left post, despite being in a one-on-one situation with the opposing goalkeeper, Keo Oudone Souvannasangso. The much-anticipated goal finally arrived a minute before the first-half whistle, courtesy of captain Paulo Josue, who easily tapped in a cross from winger G. Pavithran.

In the second half, Harimau Malaya quickly doubled their lead. Endrick's low shot from inside the penalty box beat Souvannasangso in the 57th minute. This goal ignited the team's spirit, leading to a continuous barrage of attacks on the opponent's goal. Pavithran's persistent pressure on the left wing caused significant problems for Laos, ultimately leading to an own goal by Viengxay Sitdavong in the 66th minute. The scoring was completed in the 84th minute when American-born player Wan Ahmad Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal netted his first goal for Harimau Malaya with a free-kick that found the net past Souvannasangso.

Following this win, Harimau Malaya will travel to Bangkok to face Thailand on August 1, before concluding their group stage matches against the Philippines in Cheras on August 8.