Malaysia and Thailand made a fabulous start to their campaign in Group A of the AFF Under-18 Championship here in Yangon, Myanmar when they each overcame their opponents with relative ease.
Malaysia dumped Laos 4-1 at the Aung San Stadium while Thailand whitewashed Timor Leste 3-0 at the Thuwunna Stadium.
The Malaysians seem to have shrugged off concerns over their level of preparedness with Muhammad Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak (28th and 90th minutes) and Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid (45th and 90th) grabbing a brace each.
Bounphachan Bounkong pulled a goal back for Laos with a strike after three minutes into the second half.
With Thailand beating Timor Leste 3-0, the Malaysian win has allowed them to occupy the spot at least for now, depending on what happens in the final game of the evening between Singapore and Cambodia later.
In the meantime, Thailand were methodical in their win over Timor Leste as they rarely allowed the latter a real crack at goal.
With captain Kritsada Kaman providing the stability at the heart of defence, the Thais found the back of the net through Ekanit Panya’s rifling shot in the 42nd minute, Nattawut Chootiwat’s 83rd minute penalty and also a cracker from Chaiwat Weerakijphanich right at the end.
