Malaysia takes the top spot of Vietnam
Welcoming Laos, coach Kim Pan-gon changed eight positions in the starting line-up compared to the 1-0 victory over Myanmar. Players born in England or Australia such as Stuart Wilkin, Darren Lok, Lee Tuck were given a break, seemingly to keep their strength for the trip to Vietnam on December 27, the match was like the "final" of Group B. , decide tickets to the semi-finals.
Not using the strongest squad, but Malaysia still controlled the game, many times pushed all 11 opposing players to the defensive home field. If Vietnam focused on cutting the left wing of Laos in a 6-0 victory, coach Kim Pan-gon's army focused on exploiting the right wing. Faissal Halim and Hakim Hassan continuously used speed to pass AT Viengkham. Malaysia's first opening opportunity came right in the sixth minute when Faissal Halim eliminated both captain Sukaphon Vongchengkham and defender AT Viengkham, escaping close to the left sideline. However, the home player's shot then sent the ball over the bar.
More than 87,000 Malaysian fans filled the Bukit Jalil Stadium and did not have to wait long to celebrate the goal. In the 29th minute, still from an attack on the left wing, Hakim Hassan escaped and made an accurate cross for Sergio Aguero to cushion the ball close to set up. The player has the same name as the former Man City and Argentina striker - this year 28 years old, matured from the River Plate training academy. In 2015, Aguero went to Hungary to play for Tatabanya, before sticking with Malaysian football since 2017, through many clubs such as Melaka United, Selangor, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Sri Pahang and Perak.
After the goal, coach Michael Weiss adjusted the position of right-back. He pulled AT Viengkham off the field, dragged Phouthavong Sangvilay to replace, and put Phatthana Phommathep in the left-back. However, Laos' defense was also more uncertain, constantly suffering from the home team's bombardment. Only the excellence of goalkeeper Keo-oudone kept the visitors from conceding a second goal in the first half, when he blocked the opponent's tight free-kick and the injury time went back very quickly to save when teammate broke the ball, almost created an own goal.
In the second half, coach Kim Pan-gon added stars Lee Tuck, Brendan Gan and Haqimi Azim to the field, attacking with full force. It seems that Kim Pan-gon's army wants to win big to race the difference with Vietnam. The home team used a lot of high balls to target the opponent's box and this attack came into play when Faisal Halim had two consecutive headers in the 65th and 68th minutes, from two-sided crosses.
The Laos are fully under attack from Malaysia. They can't organise an attack when their opponent's hands are rounded up. The long since the long-looking streak doesn't work without the birth of a kid in Billy's French, who was injured in Vietnam. Continuing chase, the Laos players, they can't wear the Malaysia players. They have to take the fourth desk at 77. Azqimi controlled the shadow but the cistern's defenseless guard, did not stop, to let this man turn his legs into a shadow. The Malaysia players continue to attack, in addition to winning their goal to race numbers with Vietnam. They've got a fifth goal in eight-7 with a kick from the outlaw perimeter at Mr. Stuart Wilkin. The rest of the homeowners have two more opportunities to score, but they can't use it.
Defeating Laos, Malaysia rose to the top of Group B with 6 points after two matches. Vietnam is three points behind but has only played one match. Malaysia will be Vietnam's own guest on December 27.
