BRUNEI HELD BY GRITTY CAMBODIA

In the match that was played at the Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah, the host was quick to take the lead when Khairol Anwar fired in from close range in the 15th minute (pic).

And three minutes later, the several thousand fans were on their feet again when
Mohd Najib Tarif slotted home their second goal of the evening.

But some lackadaisical Brunei defending later allowed Chan Chaya to pull a goal back in the 25th minute as both teams trooped off 2-1 at the break to the advantage of the host.

Brunei tried to open up the gaps in the second half but Cambodia was a lot more resolute at the back when compared to how they were in the first half.

And just when things were looking up, Cambodia’s Kouch Sokumpheak delivered the equaliser to force both teams to share the one point.

IN THE MEANTIME, Philippines suffered a rude shock to their first game in Group A when they were thrashed 9-1 by Myanmar.

Two early goals from Hla Aye Htwe in the 3rd and 14th minute gave Cambodia the best of start for them to take a 4-0 lead at the break with two further goals from Si Thu Than (27Th minute) and Htoo Kyaw (34th).

Not even an early strike after the break from Philippines striker Philip Younghusband in the 46th minute could prevent the drubbing as Myanmar added five more goals after that through Yaza Win Thein (60th), Si Thu Than (66th), Zaw Htet Aung (69th), Payae Phyo Oo (76th) and Ye Wai Yan Soe (84th).

“We are not that sure (of reaching the final) but I am sure that we will reach the semi-final. To be in the final, we have to overcome strong teams like Vietnam and Thailand,” said Soe Myint Lwin, the head coach for Myanmar.

GROUPING

GROUP A: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam

GROUP B: Brunei, Philippines, Myanmar and Cambodia

HASSANAL BOLKIAH TROPHY
FIXTURES and RESULTS

March 3: MYANMAR 9 PHILIPPINES 1/BRUNEI 2 CAMBODIA 2

March 4: Singapore vs Thailand/Malaysia vs Vietnam

March 5: Philippines vs Brunei/Cambodia vs Myanmar

March 6: Malaysia vs Thailand/Vietnam vs Singapore

March 7: Myanmar vs Brunei/Philippines v Cambodia

March 8: Singapore vs Malaysia/ Thailand vs Vietnam

March 10: Winner A vs Runners-up B/ Winner B vs Runners-up A

March 12: FINAL