YANGON (9 Oct 2012) – Brunei recovered from an opening day loss to haul themselves back on track for a place in AFF Suzuki Cup final round when they sensationally came from behind to edge Cambodia 3-2 at the Youth Training Centre here this evening. While Brunei were celebrating their first victory, Cambodia’s fate was sealed after succumbing to their third straight loss here.
Brunei suffered a 1-0 defeat to Myanmar two days ago and needed full points today to remain in contention. After trailing by a Prak Mony Udom goal in the first half, Brunei charged back and reeled in three goals – Md Aminuddin Zakhwan Tahir (56th), Muhd Helmi Zambin (63rd) and Azwan Muhd Salleh (70th) – to secure an important victory for themselves.
“We did not play well in the first half,” said Kwon Oh Son, the chief coach of Brunei. “But we recovered in the second and scored three goals. Now we will prepare for the next important match against Laos.”
Cambodia provided Brunei with some anxious moments when they netted a second goal through Khim Borey in injury time. Brunei however held to walk away as the winners.
Brunei now have three points are currently lying fourth behind Myanmar (6 points), Timor Leste and Laos. To advance to the finals, Brunei will need good results against Laos (on Thursday) and Timor Leste (on Saturday).
As they were desperately seeking their first victory of the qualifiers, it was no surprise that Cambodia shot into attack mode from the kick-off. And within minutes, Cambodia were already causing trouble in the box. In the eighth minute, skipper Keo Sokngon made a blistering dash down to the touchline, pulled back and took a shot which to his dismay crashed into the side-netting.
Soon Brunei, who had played superbly against Myanmar in their opening day clash, took charge and began to move into their opponents’ half. A 17th minute strike by Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir which drifted just wide signalled a shift in control. Brunei had several shots but could not find their way through.
Brunei continued to pressure but were caught off in the 25th minute when Sos Suhana sent a long cross which found Prak Mony Udom unmarked. He stepped up and easily tapped the ball past goalkeeper Muhd Wardun Yusof.
Their confidence heightened, Cambodia pushed up and almost doubled the score five minutes later. Touch Pancharong sent a deep ball in for Prak to set-up Sos who blew his volley over the bar.
Something coach Kwon Oh Son told his players during the break must have hit home as Brunei came out with all their guns blazing. The first shot came in the 56th minute as Md Aminuddin smashed in the equaliser. Seven minutes later, Brunei went ahead when Muhd Helmi scrambled the ball in. A further seven minutes down the road, Azwan Muhd Salleh had the bench on their feet.
“We should have won this game,” said Hok Sochetra, the chief coach of Cambodia after the match. “I just don’t know what to say at this point.”
Brunei will face Laos in two days and will battle Timor Leste on Saturday which could decide if they make it to the final round.
The Line-up
CAMBODIA: Um Vichet (GK), Lay Raksmey (Khiev Vibol), Say Piseth, Touch Pancharong, Khim Borey, Keo Sokngon (cpt), Phourng Soksana (Teab Vathanak, 62nd), Prak Mony Udom (Chhin Chhoeun, 59th), Sos Suhana, Chhun Sothearath, Om Thavrak
Head coach: Hok Sochetra (Cam)
Scorers: Prak Mony Udom (25th), Khim Borey (90th)
Yellow: Lay Raksmey (39th), Om Thavrak (43rd), Chhun Sothearath (75th)
Red:
BRUNEI: Muhd Wardun Yusof (GK), Muhd Afi Aminuddin, Sairol Sahari, Azwan Muhd Salleh (Hamizan Aziz Sulaiman, 80th), Md Najip Tarif, Rosmin Muhd Kamis (cpt), Muhd Helmi Zambin, Affendy Akup, Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir (Md Hendra Azam Md Idris, 68th), Adi Said (Muhd Azwan Ali Rahman, 79th) , Mohd Shahrazen Said
Head coach: Kwon Oh Son (S.Kor)
Scorers: Md Aminuddin Zakhwan Tahir (56th), Muhd Helmi Zambin (63rd), Azwan Muhd Salleh (70th)
Yellow:
Red:
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Takayama Hiroyoshi (Jpn)
Assistant Referee 1: Anaam Ahmed Qiad Saif (Yem)
Assistant Referee 2: Md Abdul Munaf Sarker (Ban)
Fourth Official: Tayeb Hasan Shamsuzzaman (Ban)
Match Commissioner: Lt Col Kamaruddin Sakhari (Mas)
Referee Assessor: Russamee Jindamai (Tha)
General Coordinator: Demis A. Djamaoeddin (Ina)
AFF SUZUKI CUP 2012
Qualifying Round
– Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Timor Leste
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STANDINGS
|
TEAM |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
PTS |
| MYANMAR |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
+2 |
6 |
| TIMOR LESTE |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
+3 |
3 |
| LAOS |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
+1 |
3 |
| BRUNEI |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
= |
3 |
| CAMBODIA |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
9 |
-6 |
0 |
