Tigers maul Laos 4-1

Rajagobal, 56, said the win was the best tonic for his squad before the crucial Group B match against arch-rival Indonesia at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

"The boys performed well and they deserved to win. Actually we had many chances to score but at the end of the first half, we made sloppy mistakes and allowed Laos to equalise.

"I want the players to forget this victory and focus on the match against Indonesia because I feel the game against them (Indonesia) will not be an easy one," he told reporters after the match against Laos.

Malaysia's four goals were scored by Safiq Rahim (15th min), Mohd Safee Mohd Sali (67th min), Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor (75th min) and Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen Zambri (79th min).

Commenting on the team's chances to make the semifinal, Rajagobal remained optimistic of crossing the hurdle.

"As a coach, I still have confidence and remain optimistic with the team's performance. Now all the teams in this group want to win, so it is not easy," he said.

Meanwhile, Laos's coach Kokichi Kimura said Malaysia has a large pool of talented players and hoped his boys would learn something after facing experienced players from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

"Most of my players are young and this tournament is their first international cap, so a lot of things need to be improved physically and mentally.

"Both matches between Indonesia and Malaysia were tough. Malaysia was a good team while Indonesia have a strong defence," said Kimura.