Malaysia team determined to beat Laos, coach Tan Cheng Hoe still urges caution

Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe expects the team's energetic mood to carry Malaysia to another win as they face Laos in the second round of Group B of the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on July 28.

The 2-1 comeback victory over Myanmar away last weekend gave Malaysia a huge boost. Captain Paulo Josué scored a brace to secure all three points, also bringing his goal tally for the Malaysian national team to 11.

"First of all, we are very happy to have earned three points against Myanmar. However, that was only the first challenge, and there are still many difficult matches ahead," coach Tan Cheng Hoe shared at today's press conference on July 27.

With a squad combining experienced veterans like Paulo Josué, Syafiq Ahmad, Mahamadou Sumareh, along with many young faces and first-time call-ups, the 57-year-old coach evaluated the team's morale as very positive.

"The atmosphere in the team is fantastic. We have a mix of experienced players, young players, and many who have never been capped before. That makes it special because they haven't had many chances to play together. I am very satisfied that the veteran players always give their all and guide the younger ones."

"It was the experienced players who helped the team raise the tempo of the match against Myanmar. The team's spirit shows that we still have a lot of potential to keep improving," he said.

Tan Cheng Hoe previously led Malaysia to the AFF Cup final in 2018 and was an assistant coach during their Southeast Asian championship triumph in 2010.

Although Laos just suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat to Thailand in their opening match, coach Tan Cheng Hoe still demanded that his players not be complacent, despite Malaysia being undefeated in all nine previous encounters with this opponent.

"We cannot underestimate Laos just because they lost to Thailand. I watched and analyzed that match. They have a fairly young squad and deserve respect. Any team after a defeat wants to bounce back strongly and aim for a positive result."

"They are especially dangerous in fast counter-attacks. We must prepare well for that, avoid losing possession in our own half, and make the most of our scoring opportunities," he emphasized.

On the other side, Serbian coach Vladica Grujić admitted that Laos are considered underdogs but affirmed that his team will enter the match with a fearless spirit.

"We know we will face a very strong opponent. However, the whole team will play bravely, stay disciplined, and wait for our chance."

"The Lao national league is still semi-professional, while Malaysia has professional football. However, football can always produce surprises. We just lost 0-5 to Thailand, but last year we drew 1-1 with them. No one knows what will happen in football," Grujić shared.

In the nine previous meetings, Malaysia won seven matches, while two ended in draws.