KUALA LUMPUR: The success of their seniors in crushing Papua New Guinea 10-0 apparently did little to inspire them.
The Malaysian juniors could only scrape past lowly Laos 2-1 in their last group match in the Under-17 Asian Cup at the Thammasat Stadium in Bangkok today.
In contrast, in an international friendly at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium yesterday, the senior national team buried Papua with 10 goals.
The Malaysian Under-17 team nearly lost to Laos today.
They were staring at a humiliating defeat after Laos surprisingly took the lead through midfielder Sayfon Keohanam in the 12th minute.
Fortunately, Dainei Mat Disa came to Malaysia's rescue with a brace in the 43rd and 77th minute.
Malaysia, who lost their opening two matches, 4-0 to Yemen and 3-0 to Thailand, managed to avoid the ignominy of finishing bottom of the group.
Thailand emerged as Group A champions after edging Yemen 1-0. Yemen finished second. Both the teams advanced to the knockout stage.