Malaysia U22 national team started with 3 points after beat Laos U22 national team with a score of 5-1 in the Men’s Football SEA Games 2023 Group Stage Group B at Prince Stadium, Phnom Penh.
However, that advantage was erased by Ubaidullah himself when he headed the ball into his own goal following a cross by Phetdavanh Somsanid in the 21st minute.
Seven minutes later, it was Laos’ turn to be punished with an own goal from their player when Anantaza Siphongphan was caught by Safwan Mazlan’s pass.
Elavarasan’s move to include Syahir Bashah paid off when he managed to stamp his name as a scorer by finishing off another substitute player, Fergus Tierney.
The inclusion of several substitutes was successful in changing Malaysia’s pattern with Tierney almost adding a fourth goal in the 80th minute, but his shot just rattled the goalpost.
Najmudin Akmal, who also came in as a substitute, did not disappoint when he scored the fourth goal in injury time before the national team’s stylish victory was completed with an own goal by the Lao player, Phoutthavong Sangvilay.
The victory over Laos is definitely the best tonic for the country’s young players who will face a tough task against the chosen team, Thailand on the same court, this Saturday.
Earlier, Vietnam, who won their second victory after beating Singapore 3-1, today leads Group B with six points, while Malaysia, who have only played one game, share three points with Thailand.
Credit Photo : FAM
