PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Under-23 football team had to overcome an early scare before beating Laos 4-1 in their SEA Games opening Group B match at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday (Dec 9).

The Harimau Muda were stunned after Laos took the lead after just four minutes when defender Bounpheng Xaisombut found the back of the net.