Laos calls up Vietnamese-origin player, aiming to surprise Malaysia

06/10/2025 15:33:00 ceshi

Laos has revealed the roster for the upcoming two matches facing the Malaysia national team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying round.

The Laos national team has just announced a 23-player squad to prepare for the two matches against Malaysia in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Laos will host Malaysia at the National Stadium on October 9, and then travel to Bukit Jalil, Malaysia, on October 14, 2025.

Among the 23 players, there are three currently playing abroad: Damoth Thongkhamsavath (Thanh Hóa, Vietnam), Phoutthavong Sangvilay (BC Pathum United, Thailand), and Bounphachan Bounkong (Svay Rieng, Cambodia). The most notable is the Vietnamese-origin player, Thongkhamsavath.

Lào gọi cầu thủ gốc Việt, quyết gây bất ngờ trước Malaysia 717147 — Damoth Thongkhamsavath, who plays for Thanh Hóa club, has been called up

Born on April 3, 2004, Damoth Thongkhamsavath is a key player for both the U23 and Laos senior teams. He has Vietnamese heritage as his paternal grandparents are from Quảng Bình but have long settled in Laos. Thongkhamsavath can speak some Vietnamese because his parents often speak it at home; although limited, it is enough for communication.

Previously, during the FIFA Days in September, Thanh Hóa club did not allow Thongkhamsavath to join the U23 Laos squad for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers. Despite limited playing time since moving to the V-League, the Vietnamese-origin player remains an important figure when returning to the Laos national team.

Lào gọi cầu thủ gốc Việt, quyết gây bất ngờ trước Malaysia 717151 — The 23-player squad of Laos for the matches against Malaysia

Most of the other players in the Laos team are familiar faces who impressed at the 2024 AFF Cup; these young players have spent considerable time playing together and have built strong cohesion. This can be regarded as the strongest squad Laos can assemble at the moment.

With a young and ambitious roster, Laos fully aims to secure points against Malaysia. Due to FIFA sanctions, Malaysia will definitely be missing seven naturalized players, significantly weakening their strength. Coupled with psychological effects, Laos will target at least a point, especially in the home match, even though their chances of advancing are almost gone.