Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe has promised an improved performance when the hosts welcome Laos to Kuala Lumpur for the second round of Group A matches at the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Coming off the back of a 1-0 win in Cambodia earlier in the week, Cheng Hoe has said his players need to maintain their focus whilst still playing in the attack-minded fashion that is his trademark.

“This is an important match for us and we have great respect for Laos and it’s important that we play with confidence but also in an attacking manner.

“We know we must score goals to win and that means that we want to play in an entertaining way so hopefully the players will be calm and composed in front of goal.”

Having been defeated 3-0 at home by Vietnam this is chance for Laos to bounce back and despite coach V.Sundramoorthy declaring his side are the ‘underdogs’ he’s promised a committed showing from the visitors.

“Malaysia played well in their first match and they have a lot of dangerous players that we will need to contain and sure we’re the underdogs but we know that if we turn up on the day then we’re a chance of upsetting any team.”

There will be an interesting subplot to the match with the respective coaches having been teammates at Kedah almost 20 years ago where they combined to win the club’s first Malaysia Cup.

With Sundram also having experience coaching in Malaysia he’s hoping that inside knowledge can help his side in front of what’s sure to be a lively home crowd at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.

“I know the Malaysian players well and of course I know their coach too so it gives me a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the team and we have to find a good way to prepare a game plan to stop Malaysia.”