KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya did what was expected of them against lowly Laos in an international friendly at the Pat Stadium in Bangkok today (Nov 14).
World No. 132 Malaysia got a business-like 3-1 win against world No.187 Laos.
This should set Malaysia up for the tougher friendly against India in Hyderabad next week.
The match, played under torrential rain on a waterlogged pitch, was far from ideal for Malaysia head coach Pau Marti Vicente's tactical game plan.
However, Malaysia got an early breakthrough when Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar found the back of the net with a well-placed header in the sixth minute.
But Laos pulled level in the 34th minute. They capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 34th minute when Kydavone Souvvany pounced on a misplaced midfield pass and scored.
In the second half, Vicente made several key changes, bringing on Stuart Wilkin, Daniel Ting and debutant Fergus Tierney.
Within a minute of coming on, Stuart was fouled inside the box by Laos defender Sengdaovy Hanthavong. The Sabah FC midfielder confidently stepped up to the spot, converting the penalty to restore Malaysia's lead at 2-1.
The match was sealed in the 83rd minute when Argentine-Malaysian forward Sergio Garcia was brought down by Phoulaung Vinnavong in the penalty area. Garcia calmly slotted home the penalty, putting the game beyond Laos' reach.