Malaysia continued their impressive march through the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Laos at the KLFA Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, to make it two wins from two in Group B.
A clinical second-half display ensured Tan Cheng Hoe’s side collected another three points, with Paulo Josue, Endrick, an own goal from Viengsai Sidavong, and a stunning late free-kick by substitute Wan Kuzain sealing an emphatic victory.
The result lifts Malaysia to six points from their opening two matches, setting up a mouth-watering clash against seven-time champions Thailand in Bangkok this Saturday. Laos, meanwhile, remain without a point after consecutive defeats.
Malaysia controlled possession from the opening whistle and dictated the tempo throughout the first 15 minutes, but struggled to break down a disciplined Lao defence.
Despite the visitors’ dominance, it was Laos who created the first clear-cut opportunity in the 26th minute.
A long ball split the Malaysian defence and released Xayasith Singhsavanh clean through on goal, but goalkeeper Azri Ghani produced an outstanding fingertip save to deny the striker and preserve the deadlock.
Malaysia responded with a series of chances. Paulo Josue came close with a long-range free-kick from over 35 metres, while Endrick tested goalkeeper Keo-Udom Suvannasangso, and Josue narrowly failed to convert a clever quick corner routine.
The home side continued to increase the pressure. Sergio Aguero threaded a perfectly weighted pass for Endrick in the 33rd minute, but the striker’s effort flashed narrowly wide before Josue headed just past the post minutes later.
Malaysia’s persistence was finally rewarded on the stroke of halftime. Aguero switched play brilliantly to Pavithran Gunalan, whose low cross into the six-yard box found Paulo Josue, and the naturalised midfielder calmly guided home with his first touch to give Harimau Malaya a deserved 1-0 lead.
Laos almost responded immediately before the interval when Bounchanh Chounvanglien attempted an audacious backheel finish from close range, but Azri Ghani reacted superbly to push the effort over the crossbar.
Malaysia returned after the break with greater urgency and doubled their advantage in the 57th minute.
Syafiq Ahmad released Pavithran into the penalty area before the winger squared the ball perfectly for Endrick, who made no mistake from close range.
The third goal arrived in the 68th minute when Mohamadou Sumareh’s dangerous cross forced Viengsai Sidavong into turning the ball into his own net under heavy pressure.
The icing on the cake came six minutes from time. Substitute Wan Kuzain curled a magnificent free-kick beyond the helpless Lao goalkeeper, capping an outstanding team performance and completing a dominant 4-0 victory.
Malaysia has now collected the maximum six points from their opening two Group B fixtures, building valuable momentum before arguably their biggest group-stage test against regional heavyweights Thailand.
Tan Cheng Hoe’s side have shown resilience, attacking quality and defensive discipline in successive victories, with Paulo Josue continuing to prove his importance after scoring three goals in just two tournament appearances.
With confidence soaring and a place in the knockout stage edging closer, Harimau Malaya now turn their attention to Bangkok, where a victory over Thailand could place one foot firmly in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Credit Photo : ASEAN United FC
