Laos defeats Macau 3-1 in U23 AFC Qualifiers

The Macau team’s participation in the Under-23 (U23) AFC Cup Asian Cup Qualifiers ended with 13 goals conceded and just one scored.

The local U23 team was defeated by Laos (3-1) in the last match of Group J, which took place on Tuesday.

After two 5-0 defeats in the first two matchdays, the Macau side had its last chance to prove some points in matchday 3.

Unfortunately, the Macau team was far from keeping the match balanced. Laos’ Daophahad Kamkasomphou came close to the opening goal right in minute 14.

Laos pressure continued, and by very little, Peeter Phanthavong did not open the scoreboard at minute 25.

At minute 36, goalkeeper Alex Ao saved the local side, tipping the ball over the crossbar and keeping his net clear until halftime.

After the break, Laos continued pressing, and at minute 63, Pan Si Kit brought down Keohanam in the box, leading to a penalty kick later converted by Phanthavong to give Laos the lead.

Khampane Douangvilay, who came on in the second half, increased their lead five minutes later. In minute 80, local defender Huang Cho Fong headed into his own goal, making it 3-0 in favor of Laos.

It was only at minute 89 that Macau managed to pull one back, scoring the only goal of the tournament in the conversion of a penalty by Lei Man Tek.

In the other group match, the Korea Republic beat Indonesia by 1-0, with a goal from Hwang Do-yun in the 6th minute 6.

Despite the slim score, it was enough to give the 2020 champions maximum points in Group J, scoring nine points from three matches. Indonesia was second in the group with four points, the same as Laos, but with an advantage in the case of a tie. Macau came last with zero points, 13 goals against, and just one scored.