NAYPYITAW (22 Aug 2013) – Brunei’s return to ASEAN youth football did not get off as planned when they were thumped 8-0 by Cambodia in a Group A match of the AFF AYA Bank Under-16 Championship here at the WunnaTheikdi Stadium.
It was obvious that fitness was a major issue as the Brunei lads were struggling all afternoon to match the determination and fast running game of Cambodia. And in the end, the Cambodians just packed too much firepower when they piled on four goals in either half.
“Our positioning was all wrong,” said Brunei team manager MorniZakaria. “We knew fitness was always going to be a problem and having just a month to prepare for this tournament was not good enough. But we are learning.”
Following their 4-0 loss to Australia in their first game in the group, the Cambodians were all eager to settle down early and ChhuotSenteang provided them with the best start when he knocked in the first goal of the game just three minutes in following a defensive lapse.
Chhuot went on to score three more goals in the 45th, 47th and 89th minute. The remainder of the goals were scored by an own goal off Brunei defender Mohammad Syakirin Misli (31st minute), Cambodian captain KuntheaRavan (45th and 57th minute) and another from Long Phearat (77th).
Group A Current Standings
