CAMBODIA TAKES UP THIRD SEMIS SPOT

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (March 7, 2007) – Cambodia joined the ranks of Myanmar and Thailand in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy tonight when they overcame Philippines 6-0 in their final group of Group B at the Berakas Track and Field Sports Complex.

A hat trick from Chan Chaya in the 9th, 72nd and 85th minute was just the inspiration Cambodia needed to rout Philippines with the other goals coming from Kouch Sokumphheak 22nd minute and Phea Sopheaknimoul in the 31st minute.

An own goal from Francis Laudato Gustilo in the 40th minute certainly did not help Philippines’ cause where they completed the tournament having conceded a total of 18 goals and three scored in three matches.

The big win for Cambodia (pic) denied host Brunei a place in the last four where even though they fought gallantly, they just could not hold Myanmar to the draw they needed as the latter walked away with an easy 3-1 victory at the Berakas Sports Complex.

Although both teams are on the same four points and has the same number of just negative one goal difference, the fact remains that Cambodia scored more goals with eight as compared to Brunei’s six.

Myanmar had already confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the championship this year following their 9-1 win over Philippines in their first game and then a 7-0 rout of Cambodia in their second match.

And this evening, even though they were a little slow off the block, Myanmar was just a tad too strong for Brunei when they scored through Si Thu Than (22nd minute), Payae Phyo Oo (24th) and Kyaw Haty Oo (78th) for the win.

A late own goal from Aung Kyaw Oo two minutes to the end just could not spark a Brunei revival as Myanmar maintained their course for a place in the last four.

FINAL GROUP B STANDING: 1. Myanmar 9pts; 2. Cambodia 4pts; 3. Brunei 4pts; 4. Philippines 0pt

HASSANAL BOLKIAH TROPHY
FIXTURES and RESULTS

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

March 4: SINGAPORE 0 THAILAND 2/MALAYSIA 1 VIETNAM 1

March 5: PHILIPPINES 2 BRUNEI 3/CAMBODIA 0 MYANMAR 7

March 6: MALAYSIA 1 THAILAND 4/VIETNAM 0 SINGAPORE 0

March 7: MYANMAR 3 BRUNEI 1/PHILIPPINES 0 CAMBODIA 6

March 8: Singapore vs Malaysia/ Thailand vs Vietnam

March 10: Winner A vs Cambodia/ Myanmar vs Runners-up A

March 12: FINAL