SEA Games: Malaysia beat Laos to avenge AFF U23 Championship exit

Luqman Hakim Shamsudin and Syahir Bashah found the back of the net to help Malaysia exact revenge against Laos in the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam on Wednesday.

The young Tigers, who lost twice to Laos in the 2022 AFF U23 Championship in February that led to their early exit from the tournament, built on their recent success against Thailand as they won 3-1 at the Thien Truong Stadium.

Luqman bagged his first-ever Malaysia U23 goal when his shot was deflected into the goal in 36th minute, before Syahir doubled the lead six minutes later with a shot from outside the box.

After the interval, Laos played more aggressively to attempt a comeback, which left them exposed at the back and allowed Luqman to net his second of the night.

With a three-goal lead, Brad Maloney's boys took their foot off the pedal in the closing stages, which were unfortunately punished by Laos who scored a consolation goal through substitute Visith Bounpaserth.

Malaysia currently sit at the top of Group B with six points, two more than second-place Singapore who played an extra game and whom they face next on Saturday.