KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Myanmar booked their spot in the semifinals of the ongoing Merdeka Cup after defeating hosts Malaysia 2-1 in a Group A encounter at the MBPJ Stadium.

It was Myanmar's second straight win after having edged Lesotho 1-0 in their opening match.

In another game, Lesotho defeated nine-man Laos 3-1.

Aung Myo Thant fired Myanmar in front in the 42nd minute and Yan Paing increased the lead in the 50th minute. Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak pulled a goal back for Malaysia in the 70th minute.

The Malaysians suffered an early blow when striker Mohd Safee Sali was given his marching orders after only 40 seconds of play for elbowing Zaw Lynn Tun.

Laos’s Somsanouk Lovanxay (64th) and Kovanh Namthavixay (81st) were sent off and so was Lesotho's Muso Sello (76th). The goalscorers for Lesotho were Potse Refiloe (3rd), Maipato Tefo (6th) and Moleko Katleho (23rd). Visay Phaphouvanin (26th) scored the only goal for Laos.