KUALA LUMPUR, October 15, 2025
by Izhar Safuan
The Malaysian national football team, Harimau Malaya, delivered a stunning second-half performance to overturn a deficit and thrash Laos 5-1 in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night.
The victory, achieved in front of a spirited home crowd, maintains Malaysia's perfect record in Group F and keeps them firmly in control of the top spot.
The first half proved to be a frustrating affair for the Harimau Malaya, who dominated possession but struggled to breach a stubborn Laotian defence, brilliantly marshalled by goalkeeper Kop Lokphathip.
The hosts were stunned in the 19th minute when Laos took a shock lead. Midfielder Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone struck a long-range shot that unfortunately deflected off a Malaysian defender, wrong-footing goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi and rolling into the net. Laos then sat deep, successfully frustrating Malaysia's attacking efforts to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
National coach Peter Cklamovski's men came out with renewed intensity after the interval, and the breakthrough finally arrived just before the hour mark.
58’ - The Equalizer: Star winger Faisal Halim delivered a moment of magic, curling a superb free-kick from just outside the box past the Laotian keeper to level the score.
64’ & 69’ - Morales Double: The equalizer sparked an immediate burst of goals. Naturalised striker Romel Morales quickly put Malaysia in the lead, finishing off a slick one-two combination with Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi in the 64th minute. He wasn't done yet, slotting home his second of the night just five minutes later to make it 3-1, following an assist from Dion Cools.
79’ - Own Goal: The floodgates were well and truly open when misfortune struck the visitors. Laotian defender Khammanh Thapaseut inadvertently headed the ball into his own net for Malaysia's fourth.
82’ - Finishing Touch: Substitute Paulo Josue completed the stylish comeback, scoring the fifth goal barely a minute after coming on, as he followed up a close-range shot that the Laos goalkeeper could not hold.
The commanding 5-1 result sees Malaysia maintain their unbeaten streak with four wins from four matches, topping Group F with 12 points. The team's next qualifier will be against Nepal on November 18th.
KUALA LUMPUR, October 14, 2025
by Izhar Safuan
Harimau Malaya are back on home soil tonight, facing Laos in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier return leg at National Stadium Bukit Jalil at 9:00 PM (MYT).
Fresh off a decisive 3-0 away victory last week, the Malaysian team aims to cement their position atop Group F. Despite recent off-field controversies, Head Coach Peter Cklamovski insists the squad's focus is total, stating, "We are preparing to deliver another strong performance and make the nation proud."
The key for the Tigers will be converting chances, with forward Romel Morales eager to break his goal drought. Laos is expected to play defensively, but with the fervent backing of the Ultras Malaya, the home team plans to dominate possession and exploit the wings.
This match is more than just three points; it's a demonstration of the collective spirit and resilience of the Harimau Malaya.