Malaysia are a win away from ending their 20-year wait for football gold in the Sea Games on Monday.
The national Under-23 boys beat hosts Laos 3-1 with Baddrol Bakhtiar hitting a brace that will see Malaysia into the final for the first time since the rainy night at the Merdeka Stadium in 1989 when Malaysia beat Singapore 3-1.
K. Rajagobal’s boy’s will meet Vietnam, who earlier brushed aside Singapore 4-1 in the first semi-final, for the gold.
Malaysia went ahead at the Chaou Anouvong Stadium in the 13th minute from a brilliantly executed scissors kick from Baddrol after he received a cross from Abdul Manaf Mamat in the box.
Despite the home support, Malaysia controlled the match as the score remained till half time.
In the second half, after a period of continued pressure, Laos equalised through Kanlaya Sysomvang who’s cracker for 30 metres out saw Malaysia’s goalkeeper Mohd Sharbinee Allawee flapping at air as the ball rifled into goal in the 72nd minute.
But the Loas fans’ joy was shortlived as Malaysia were woke up from their sleep with Baddrol again sending Malaysia ahead from close range in the 79th minute.
Safiq Rahim then rounded up a gloarious night for Malaysian football in the 84th minute as the Loas fans fell silent.- stadiumastro.
