Malaysia Storm to Top of Group B with 4-0 Demolition of Laos

Malaysia’s national football team surged to the top of Group B in the 2026 ASEAN Football Championship after a dominant 4-0 victory over Laos at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium on Tuesday night.

The "Harimau Malaya" dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, maintaining over 70% possession against a deeply defensive Laotian side. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 44th minute when veteran playmaker Paulo Josué capitalised on a defensive defensive error to slot home the opener.

The floodgates opened after the interval. Midfielder Endrick doubled the hosts' advantage in the 57th minute with a powerful low strike. Laos’ misery worsened less than ten minutes later when defender Viengxay Sydavong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross.

Substitute Wan Kuzain put the icing on the cake in the 84th minute, curling a brilliant free-kick into the top corner to seal the 4-0 rout.

With two consecutive wins, Tan Cheng Hoe’s men leapfrog Thailand to claim the top spot in Group B on goal difference. Malaysia will now shift their focus to a crucial away fixture against regional rivals Thailand on August 1.