Early Group B pacesetters Malaysia will be looking to extend their hold on top spot as they face Laos at Bishan Stadium on Thursday.

Harimau Malaya got off to winning start with a 3-1 defeat of Cambodia although their preparation has been rocked by two positive COVID-19 cases that will test the depth of their squad with coach Tan Cheng Hoe confirming that those players won’t be available for the clash with Laos.

“The result against Cambodia was a good start for us and good motivation for the players too but we know this will be a difficult match against a Laos side that were impressive in their first match, especially with the involvement of the striker, Billy Ketkeophomphone," said Tan. 

“Unfortunately we remain without the players who have been isolating and while we hope to have them back soon these things are out of our control and we just have to deal with the players that we have available.”

Underdogs Laos caught the eye with impressive performances at both ends of the pitch despite falling to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the defending champions Vietnam.

New France-based forward Ketkeophomphone was an attacking threat on his debut and coach V. Selvaraj paid tribute to the striker’s work ethic as well as touching on the issues that the squad dealt with in the build-up to the tournament.

“Billy has been fantastic, he brings a different mentality and impact in training and it’s a great example for the local players to follow," said Selvaraj.  

“It’s important to remember that for us we were dealing with three different of groups of players in our preparation and only had all the squad together four days before the tournament began, and that the local players had only three league matches in all of 2021.”

Despite those setbacks, the Singaporean coach is aware of the strengths of his squad and has vowed to continue to play to them.

“Whether you accept or don’t accept it, I have my plan and I know the strengths of the team because every day I’m with the players and I know their qualities so you’ll see tomorrow what we have in store for Malaysia.”