Chun Yong’s side seal semis spot

MALAYSIA secured a spot in the semi-finals of the AFF Futsal Championship by beating Laos 6-3 for a second straight win in Group B in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday.

After beating Timor Leste 7-2 in Thursday’s opening match, Malaysia are assured of a top two-finish in Group B with Thailand after both teams won their opening two fixtures.

Defending champions and 2017 Sea Games gold medallists Thailand followed up their 14-0 bashing of Laos by pulverising Timor Leste 17-2 to top the standings ahead of Malaysia on goal difference.

National coach Chiew Chun Yong felt his team started too slow against Timor Leste so the players responded by storming into a 4-0 lead against Laos inside 12 minutes.

“We won two games but in both games the performance definitely needs to improve and rise up to my expectations,” said Chun Yong after the win over Laos.

“Even though having six points from two matches is important, I am looking into the performance to prepare for the semi-finals.”

Khairul Effendy Bahrin (second and 10th minutes), Akmarulnizam Idris (10th) and Azri Rahman (12th) gave Malaysia a quick start before Soulichanch Phasawaeng reduced the deficit for Laos ahead of half-time.

Khairul restored Malaysia’s four-goal advantage for his hattrick in the 27th minute though Laos hit back through Phasawaeng (30th) and Nidnilanh Chanchaleune (38th) before Azri wrapped up the scoring in the 39th.

“I tried out all the players in the squad in both games but that caused the inconsistent game play,” said Chun Yong, who led Malaysia to the silver medal at the Sea Games where they were narrowly beaten by Thailand 4-3.

“However, this is the consequence I am willing to face as I won’t take it as an excuse for under-performing. I expect everyone in the team to perform accordingly.”

Malaysia face Thailand today before a three-day break ahead of the semi-finals on Wednesday.