Malaysia immediately mentions Vietnam after the overwhelming victory over Laos.

Malaysian media praised the dominant performance of the home team against Laos, emphasizing that the 3-0 victory is an important stepping stone for the ambition to win the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship.

The newspaper Makanbola stated that the Malaysian U17 team demonstrated a powerful performance by defeating Laos 3-0 in the semifinals of the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship, thereby convincingly securing a spot in the finals. The match is seen as clear evidence of the progress of the young players under Coach Shukor Adan.

This source indicated that the team's goal does not stop at reaching the finals. Shukor's players also aim to replicate the achievement achieved in 2019. Makanbola particularly highlighted the fierce competitive spirit and the growing confidence of the team, raising hopes for a perfect conclusion in this year's tournament.

In the semifinal, Adam Muqri Muhaizam continued to be trusted as captain, leading Malaysia's gameplay. An early turning point occurred when Laos suffered a significant loss with a red card for defender Bounthasak Chandala after VAR confirmed a foul in the penalty area. From the penalty spot, Yusuf Nasrullah Ramli made no mistake, opening the score in the 7th minute.

Just 4 minutes later, Malaysia quickly doubled the lead. Aniq Thaqif Hairulnizam unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Sankham Thavithong no chance to save. Although awarded another penalty late in the first half, Yusuf could not beat Sankham for the second time.

In the second half, Malaysia maintained continuous pressure. By the 57th minute, defender Nilandone Xayaseng unfortunately scored an own goal following Muzakir Fitri Muhamad's shot, raising the score to 3-0. Makanbola described this as the inevitable result of the relentless pressure created by Malaysia.

Laos attempted to find a consolation goal, notably through substitute player Vithaya Sophaxay's opportunity in the 73rd minute, but the shot missed the goal. The match concluded with a 3-0 victory for Malaysia, a result that the country's media deemed fully deserved.

This victory allows Malaysia to return to the finals for the first time since 2019. In the final match, Malaysian media emphasized that the home team is ready to face the winner of the semifinal between Vietnam and Australia, while Laos enters the third-place match. Both matches will take place at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo, on April 24, where Malaysia is expected to complete its impressive journey.