Laos rebuilds with youth squad amid match-fixing probe ahead of Hong Kong clash
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Laos heads into Sunday's FIFA Asean Cup Cup opener against Hong Kong at Kai Tak Stadium with a overhauled squad following a string of heavy defeats and allegations of match-fixing. Coach Vladica Grujic named a 23-man squad featuring 12 uncapped players and 11 teenagers in a bid to turn the page after the Lao Football Federation called for a criminal investigation into their senior team.
Key Points
- Hong Kong face Laos in their opening FIFA Asean Cup match at Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday, September 27
- The Lao Football Federation requested a Ministry of Public Security investigation into alleged match-fixing, bribery and illegal gambling among their squad
- In the 2026 Asean Championship, Laos suffered humiliating defeats: 5-0 to Thailand, 4-0 to Malaysia, 4-1 to the Philippines, and 7-2 to Myanmar
- Goalkeeper Keo Souvannasangsgo faced social media scrutiny after appearing to withdraw his hands from a goalbound shot in the Malaysia loss
- Viengxay Sydavon scored two own goals during the tournament, while Phetdavanh Somsanith received two straight red cards
- Coach Vladica Grujic, appointed in February, named 23-year-old forward Kydavone Souvanny as the senior player in the squad
- In Thursday's 3-1 victory over Brunei, Grujic deployed a back four with ages of 16, 17, 18 and 25
- The federation reportedly privately flagged four players for investigation
Why It Matters
Hong Kong face an unrecognisable Laos side stripped of experienced players and operating under intense scrutiny, offering a contrasting picture of a team in crisis versus one still building under new coach. For Hong Kong, the match represents an opportunity to secure points against a depleted opponent while Laos attempt to rebuild trust through youth.
Hong Kong face an unrecognisable Laos side stripped of experienced players and operating under intense scrutiny, offering a contrasting picture of a team in crisis versus one still building under new coach. For Hong Kong, the match represents an opportunity to secure points against a depleted opponent while Laos attempt to rebuild trust through youth.