AFF BEACH SOCCER: Semi-finals cast complete with last kick in group

KUANTAN (25 Oct 2014) – It took until the last kick of the ball this evening before the semi-finals cast were completed in the AFF-Felda Beach Soccer Championship here at Teluk Chempedak in Kuantan.

With only six teams realistically vying for the only four available places in the next round, the day began with Indonesian battling against Thailand. But it was the Thais who again produced some heart-stopping moments when they grabbed the early goal through Komkrit Nanan.

But Indonesia were by no means just having a day in the sun as they soon fought back to tie the score at 3-3 before Piyapong Songpiew delivered the winner right at the death.

“We are of course happy to make the semi-finals but there are still some things which we need to work on,” said Thailand’s head of delegation Natupol Supmanu.

Vietnam who had sprang a surprise on Indonesia the previous day, made sure of their place in the next round when they thrashed winless Felda 8-1 with Bui Tran Tuan Anh grabbing a hat trick.

With Vietnam joining Thailand from Group A to make the final four of the championship this year, the afternoon matches were by no means less exciting as nothing was certain as yet.

Laos may have made the headlines when they disposed of hosts Malaysia yesterday, but their place in the next round still hangs in the balance if they were unable to get the better of Myanmar.

But confidence was running high in the Laos camp and they were quick on the draw for the lead off Phithack Kongmathilath as Myanmar then went into higher gear through Aung Soe Moe to put both teams equal on four apiece – pushing the game into extra time.

It was Phithack who again delivered what was expected with a sublime individual skill to beat Myanmar keeper Ya Wai Zin for the winning goal.

“The win over Malaysia yesterday gave us a lot of confidence but that does not mean that it will be any easier in the semi-finals,” added Laos head coach Sysaveuy Saysanasy.

Joining Laos from Group B was Malaysia who had little trouble in their last group game to blast the Philippines 8-1.