Malaysia boots out PH; undefeated Thailand blitzes Myanmar to reach Hyundai Cup semis

Malaysia and Thailand booked their tickets to the semifinals after nailing their assignments in the Group B knockout stage of the Hyundai Cup 2026 on their respective home turfs last Aug. 8.

Eager for a semis appearance, Malaysia settled for no less than a victory as they closed the curtains on the Philippines, 1–0, and put the Filipinos out of championship contention at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With the win, the Malayan Tigers capped their knockout run with a 3–1 card to catapult themselves to second place just behind group leader Thailand.

Winger Pavithran Gunalan caught fire early as his header kissed the net in the 16th minute off a Wan Kuzain cross, giving Malaysia a comfortable lead entering halftime.

Haiqal Lau came close to netting Malaysia’s second goal in the 67th minute, but a firm Filipino defense held its ground to deny the Malaysians another breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the Pinoys endured a rough swing in the tournament, heading home with a 1–3 record, with its lone win coming from a 4–1 rout of Laos.

Malaysia now looks to overcome defending champions Vietnam in the semifinals on Aug. 16 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in its toughest assignment yet.

Perfect Thailand banks on penalties over Myanmar

On the other hand, Thailand scored both their goals from the penalty spot to blank Myanmar, 2–0, and keep its knockout slate unblemished at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Worachit Kanitsribumphen and Jehhnafee Mamah made no mistake from the penalty mark, drilling their attempts home in the 11th and 18th minutes, respectively, to keep Thailand atop Group B with a 4–0 record.

Myanmar packed its bags without a win to their name as they settled for a 0–4 outing.

The seven-time tournament champs now face fellow four-time titlists Singapore on Aug. 15 on the latter’s home soil.