ASEAN Cup 2026: Malaysia confident ahead of clash with Thailand

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Kuala Lumpur, speaking after the match on the evening of July 28, interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe said that the three points against Laos helped Malaysia maintain momentum and strengthen cohesion among the players. However, he admitted the team still has many areas to improve before the away trip to Thailand's Rajamangala Stadium on August 1. In his view, Thailand is a different level opponent, possessing many quality players and having home advantage.

Looking back at the win over Laos, Tan Cheng Hoe said Malaysia faced many difficulties in the first half when the opponents played a tight defense. The opening goal by captain Paulo Josue at the end of the first half relieved the pressure for the home team, before they scored three more goals in the second half to complete a 4-0 victory, thereby securing their second consecutive win in the tournament. The Malaysian coach also praised young midfielder G. Pavithran, who was named man of the match with two assists. According to him, Pavithran has the potential to become an important player for the national team if he continues to improve himself and play with more confidence.

For his part, Pavithran said the support from his teammates, especially the experienced players, helped him perform better. The player affirmed that the whole team will focus on the match against Thailand with the aim of taking all three points to gain an advantage in the race for the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Laos head coach Vladica Grujic regretted that his players missed two clear chances in the first half and believed the match situation could have been different if they had been converted successfully.

After two matches, Malaysia leads Group B with a perfect 6 points. Thailand and Myanmar both have 3 points, while the Philippines and Laos have yet to earn any points.