Four-Goal Feast Keeps Harimau Malaya Perfect in Cheras

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - The momentum continues to build for Malaysia's makeshift tigers. In a dominant Group B display at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras, Malaysia defeated Laos 4–0 to lock down back-to-back victories in the ASEAN Championship Hyundai Cup™ 2026. While a gritty Laotian defense managed to resist the early waves of pressure, Tan Cheng Hoe's side eventually broke the deadlock right before the break, paving the way for a second-half offensive explosion. The commanding win lands Malaysia a perfect six points out of their opening two fixtures, building massive confidence ahead of a highly anticipated tournament showdown later this week.

Despite controlling possession from the opening whistle, Malaysia struggled to produce clear-cut threats through the initial half-hour. In fact, goalkeeper Azri Ghani had to rescue the hosts in the 26th minute, producing a sensational full-stretch save to deny a dangerous breakaway by Xayasith Singsavang. However, the relentless pressure finally reaped rewards on the absolute cusp of halftime. In minute 45th, A sweeping phase saw Sergio Aguero pick out Pavithran Gunalan on the flank. Gunalan whipped a delicate ball across the face of the six-yard box, where the in-form Paulo Josué steered it home with a deft first touch. It marked his third goal in just two matches.

The tactical breakthrough completely unraveled the Laotian blueprint, and the floodgates swung wide open after the restart. In Minute 57th, Syafiq Ahmad set loose Pavithran inside the penalty area, who pulled it back for a arriving Endrick to comfortably slot past the keeper. Constant hounding from veteran Mohamadou Sumareh inside the six-yard box panicked Laotian defender Viengxay Sydavong into bundling an unfortunate own-goal. For 4th Goal in minute 84th, The moment of the match. Stepping up to a late set-piece, substitute Wan Kuzain curled an ingenious, magnificent free kick into the back of the net to claim his first-ever international goal in front of an ecstatic home crowd.

With six points secured, the Harimau Malaya have successfully navigated the first phase of their depleted campaign. However, the mountain gets significantly steeper from here. Tan Cheng Hoe's men will pack their bags and head to Bangkok on Saturday, August 1, 2026, where they will collide with seven-time regional champions Thailand at the iconic Rajamangala Stadium to likely decide the absolute winner of Group B.