Malaysia secure third straight win in 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with four naturalized players against Laos

*Goals: Aiman 53’, Cools 68’, Halim 90’+8

Malaysia are in strong form, having beaten Nepal 2-0 and thrashed Vietnam 4-0 in their previous two matches.

However, their campaign has been overshadowed by a recent FIFA sanction for fielding seven naturalized players with falsified documents in the win over Vietnam. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is still awaiting a final decision from the FIFA Appeals Committee or the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Malaysia now lead Group F with nine points and a goal difference of +9, while Vietnam and Laos remain behind on three points.

Malaysia (yellow) in the 3-0 victory over Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in the New Laos National Stadium, Oct. 9, 2025. Photo by MalaysiaNT

Coach Peter Cklamovski has emphasized that the FIFA sanctions will not distract his players. Thursday’s match marked the 20th between Malaysia and Laos. Historically, Malaysia have won 13, drawn five, and lost once; Laos' sole victory, a 1-0 result, came during the group stage of the 1997 SEA Games.

Malaysia fielded four naturalized players against Laos on Thursday. Romel Morales is fully Colombian, while captain Dion Cools (Belgian descent), Lavere Corbin-Ong (Barbados), and Nooa Laine (Finland) are of mixed heritage. Malaysia dominated the match, with early chances in the first half going unconverted when Aiman and Morales missed scoring opportunities.

The breakthrough came in the second half. Morales’ shot from inside the box was blocked by goalkeeper Lomalath, but in the next move, Arif Aiman opened the scoring. The 2002-born midfielder controlled the ball near the edge of the box, maneuvered past two Lao defenders, and slotted a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner. The goal eased the team’s nerves and invigorated the visitors.

In the 69th minute, Corbin-Ong delivered a precise cross from the left wing, allowing Dion Cools to leap and head the ball into the net, doubling the lead.

The 3-0 result was sealed in the eighth minute of stoppage time following a swift counter-attack. Faisal Halim dribbled skillfully past the defense and finished in a one-on-one situation with the Laos goalkeeper.

With this win, Malaysia tops Group F with a perfect nine points, nine goals scored, and none conceded. The team will host Laos on Oct. 14 in the return match.