IT’S NOT OVER YET FOR MALAYSIA AND LAOS

This is how it stands in Group A now. Indonesia are the group champions with six points and will remain atop the standings even if they lose to Thailand tomorrow.
Thailand have two points and must beat Indonesia to qualify. Should the Thais win they will have five points which means the Malaysia-Laos tie will be inconsequential.

However, if Thailand slips up and is held to a draw or loses, it will open the door to Malaysia and Laos to sneak in. As both Malaysia and Laos have a point each, a win over the other will launch the victor into second spot with four points and into the semis.

And with both matches being held simultaneously in Jakarta (Indonesia vs Thailand) and Palembang (Malaysia vs Laos), it is surely going to be a thrill watching the two matches play out tomorrow.

But will Malaysia have any special plans to contain Laos, the qualifying round champions who surprisingly held Thailand but crashed to Indonesia? According to coach K. Rajagobal it will be business as usual. “We already know their strengths and weaknesses and have worked out the strategy to deal with them.”

Rajagobal is hopeful that Indonesia does not ease up and plays at the same level they did in the earlier two matches.

Laos coach David Booth admitted that the match tomorrow would be very tough. “Malaysia showed their ability against Thailand and will be tough.” He added that the outcome in Jakarta would decide the outcome of the group.