SURABAYA (13 Sept 2013) – It took a goal from Cambodia to bring the best out of Timor Leste who went on to secure an exciting 3-1 win in a Group A AFF Under-19 Championship match at the Petrokimia Gresik Stadium here this evening.
The Cambodians struck the first goal of the game in the 53rd minute when Hoy Phallin charged into the box and slammed his shot past the Timor Leste goalkeeper Fagio Pereira. Following the goal, Timor Leste got their act together and soon took control of the game.
Just five minutes later, Timor’s left flanker Adelino Oliveira saw his opportunity and lobbed his shot over the keeper and into the far right corner. Timor Leste, led by their skipper Nataniel Reis., pressed on and found the net again in the 76th minute, again through Adelino.
From about five metres outside the box, Adelino let loose a stinger which keeper Prak Phirun caught, unfortunately it spun out of his hands and rolled into goal.
With 10 minutes remaining, Timor Leste sealed their win with a stunning goal that was set-up by Henrique Martins. He shot down the right, weaved his way past several defenders and crossed to an unmarked Frangcyatma Kefi who headed in their third goal.
Timor Leste’s Japanese coach Norio Tsukitate was of the opinion his team was fortunate to get away with the win.
“Cambodia had a good first half and had they scored then, it may have been difficult for us to recover. But my boys managed to get back into the game and win, we were lucky.”
Timor Leste, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Singapore in their opening game, are back in the fray with today’s three points. They remain third in the group behind leaders Laos and Singapore. Timor have two more games against Laos and the Philippines to try and stake their claim to a place in the last four.
For Cambodia, this was their second loss of the tournament following their earlier 3-2 defeat to Laos.
RESULT – Group A
Timor Leste 3 Cambodia 1
