Malaysia’s U-23 football team fought back from an early deficit to secure a 4-1 victory over Laos in their opening SEA Games Thailand 2025 match
THE national Under-23 men’s football squad began their SEA Games Thailand 2025 campaign with a resounding 4-1 comeback victory over Laos.
Harimau Muda dominated early possession but fell behind to a swift fourth-minute counter-attack finished by Bounphaeng Xaysombath.
Malaysia drew level in the 33rd minute after a defensive error allowed Harry Danish Mohd Haizon to slot home the equaliser.
The team increased their tempo after halftime, with Haqimi Azim Rosli Muhammad capitalising on an opportunity to put Malaysia ahead in the 59th minute.
Moses Raj Michel Dass doubled the lead just three minutes later with a powerful header in the 62nd minute.
Muhammad Abu Khalil then sealed the comprehensive win with a 90th-minute goal to secure all three points.
Malaysia will face Vietnam at the same Rajamangala National Stadium venue on December 11 in a decisive final Group B match.
The winners of each group and the best runner-up will advance to the tournament semi-finals.
This victory marks a positive start for a team that failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2023 games in Cambodia.
Malaysia last won SEA Games football gold in 2011, with their most recent podium finish being a silver medal on home soil in 2017.
The 33rd edition of the biennial Games officially opens on December 9 and runs until December 20 across Bangkok and Chonburi. – Bernama
