AFC Asian Cup
The home side’s perfect record looked to be under threat after Laos took the lead through Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone in the 19th minute but Malaysia roared in the second half with a brace from Romel Morales, Faisal Halim and Paulo Josue. Khammanh Thapaseut added to their haul with an own goal.
The win took Malaysia to 12 points, three ahead of Vietnam, with Cklamovski proud of the way his team responded to going behind.
“Laos gave us a tough challenge,” said Cklamovski. “We had to stay patient and keep our belief.
“The goal we conceded was down to a deflection and that can happen in any game. During the break, we talked about increasing the pressure and credit to the players, what a response they showed.”
“Laos gave us a tough challenge,” said Cklamovski. “We had to stay patient and keep our belief.
“The goal we conceded was down to a deflection and that can happen in any game. During the break, we talked about increasing the pressure and credit to the players, what a response they showed.”
Ha Hyeok-jun was disappointed that his Laos side walked away with nothing to show despite following the game plan well, with the tactician admitting they could not cope with the difference in quality.
“We felt like we played according to our plan in the first half but in the second half, the mentality and focus were not there until we lost 5-1,” said Ha. “I believe my players are improving but the opponents are of a higher quality.”
While their hopes have been dashed, Laos will seek a result when they face Vietnam on November 18, with Malaysia to play Nepal on the same day.
“We felt like we played according to our plan in the first half but in the second half, the mentality and focus were not there until we lost 5-1,” said Ha. “I believe my players are improving but the opponents are of a higher quality.”
While their hopes have been dashed, Laos will seek a result when they face Vietnam on November 18, with Malaysia to play Nepal on the same day.
Related News
Item 1 of 5