Cklamovski Full Of Praise For His Boys After A Spirited Second Half Performance

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- National head coach Peter Cklamovski praised the team spirit displayed by his squad after defeating Laos 5-1 in the fourth Group F match of the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight.

He said that the performance of the Harimau Malaya squad in the first half was rather blunt after conceding the opening goal to Laos, but the versatility in achieving a perfect finish was successfully executed by his players in the second half to stage a comeback.

“It was a good challenge, I give credit to the players. Stay patient and believe in our game. First half a bit blunt, not sharp performance while Laos kept working out,” he said at a press conference after the match.

Meanwhile, Laos coach Ha Hyeokjun acknowledged the quality of the Harimau Malaya squad, stating that the Malaysian team was better in all aspects.

Meanwhile, Laos coach Ha Hyeokjun acknowledged the quality of the Harimau Malaya squad, stating that the Malaysian team was better in all aspects.

“We felt like we played according to our plan in the first half, but in the second half, the mentality and focus were not there until we lost 5-1. I believe my players are improving throughout the matches, but compared to them, they have a league with more quality,” he said.

In the match played in front of over 18,000 spectators tonight, Malaysia staged a stylish comeback in the second half to record a 5-1 victory.

The victory over Laos sees the national team maintain an unbeaten record after four matches, leading the group with 12 points, followed by Vietnam in second place (nine points), Laos third (three points), and Nepal at the bottom with no points.

Malaysia is scheduled to face Nepal on Nov 18, and will conclude the group stage against Vietnam in Hanoi next March.

-- BERNAMA