YANGON (9 Oct 2012) – Timor Leste moved closer to a place in the prestigious AFF Suzuki Cup Final Round after claiming their second victory in the qualifying competition at the Youth Training Centre here tonight. Timor Leste, who whipped Cambodia but lost to Myanmar two days ago, defeated Laos 3-1 tonight to take over at the top of the standings.
Timor Leste’s 5-1 win over Cambodia on the opening day have given them a superior goal average over Myanmar who also have six points but now drop to second spot in the standings. Brunei, who had earlier defeated Cambodia, are now third with three points. Laos are fourth with as many points while Cambodia are at the bottom.
“It was a crucial game for us to win tonight,” said Emerson Alcantara, the chief coach of Timor Leste. “We won our second full points which brightens our chance to the next round.”
In tonight’s game, Timor did not have an impressive start but led the first half thanks to a late penalty which was converted by Murilo Almeida. They picked up the pace in the second half and were rewarded with two more goals through Adelino Oliveira and Alan Pinheiro in the 50th and 83rd minutes.
Laos put up a gallant display against their physically taller opponents but only managed one goal through Visay Phaphouvanh in the 76th minute.
Timor Leste looked the stronger of the two teams but it was Laos who almost stunned their taller opponents two minutes into the game. Ketsada Souksavanh lined up the freekick but his sizzling attempt came off the post. Vilayout Sayyabounsou raced his way into the box but his low shot was saved by a quick-footed Emerson Cesario.
Timor Leste, with Murilo Almeida and Jesse Pinto leading the attack, were unable to make much headway, thanks to some solid defending by Laos. In fact, it was Laos that appeared to have the better opportunities to score like in the 23rd and 32nd minutes through Khampeng Sayavutthi and Daoneua Siviengxay.
Then, just two minutes from the break, Vilayout brought Anggisu down in the box and Murilo made no mistake from the spot.
Timor had a great start in the second half when Adelino scored just minutes after the game resumed. That goal made life tough for Laos who had to chase the rest of the game. In the end, despite their best efforts, Laos were unable to catch up with Timor who now have six points from three games.
“It was a really tough game against Timor,” said Kokichi Kimura, the chief coach of Laos. “Now we have little choice but to win our next two matches.”
The Line-up
TIMOR LESTE: Emerson Cesario (GK), Raul Isac (cpt), Ramon Saro, Wellinto Santos, Psulo Ribeiro, Jesse Pinto, Alan Pinheiro, Diogo Rangel, Adelino Oliveira, Murilo Almeida, Anggisu Barbosa
Head coach: Emerson Alcantara (Tim)
Scorers: Murilo Almeida (43rd, pen), Adelino Oliveira (50th), Alan Pinheiro (83rd)
Yellow: Anggisu (34th), Psula Ribeiro (51st), Murilo (60th)
Red:
LAOS: Sengpachan Bounthisanh (GK), Saynakhonevieng Phommapanya, Ketsada Souksavanh, Khampoumy Hanevilay (Cpt), Thotnilath Sibounhuang, Vilayout Sayyabounsou, Khamla Pinkeo, Kanlaya Sysomvang, Keoviengpheth Lithideth, Daoneua Siviengxay, Khampeng Sayavutthi
Head coach: Kokichi Kimura (Jpn)
Scorers: Visay Phaphouvanh (76th)
Yellow: Khamla (26th), Vilayout Sayyabounsou (43rd),
Red:
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Aslam Ahmed (Mdv)
Assistant Referee 1: Suqatri Hasan Mohamed Hasan (UAE)
Assistant Referee 2: Kim Youngha (S.Kor)
Fourth Official: Abdulla Ali Abdulla Alaajel Alzaabi (UAE)
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 |
| TIMOR LESTE |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
9 |
4 |
+5 |
6 |
| MYANMAR |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
+2 |
6 |
| BRUNEI |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
= |
3 |
| LAOS |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
-1 |
3 |
| CAMBODIA |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
9 |
-6 |
0 |
