CHINA, TIMOR LESTE MUST RECOVER FROM OPENING DEFEATS

Both Timor Leste and China suffered defeats to Indonesia and Vietnam respectively last night. In fact, both sides lost their matches after
conceding late goals and will be out to make ammends tomorrow afternoon.

“We knew that we can play a lot better than what we have shown and I hope that we can do it in our next two matches. I think that the players were a lot more tired than what they thought and that affected their first match,” said Zhang Ning, the chief coach for China.

Added Nelyo Isaac, the team manager for Timor Leste: “the game against Indonesia was very close and I think that it will be the same against China. We are happy with the way we played but sometimes, you need luck and I hope that we will get it against China.”

The Timorese, despite losing, were somewhat impressive and displayed some moments of brilliance. For them to win tomorrow, the Timor strikers will have to sharpen up or end up on the losing end again.

Against Indonesia, Timor had some great looks at goal but the strikers were just off the mark.

Timor strikers have a slight advantage tomorrow as China will be without their lanky first choice defender Liu Yiming who had been instrumental in cutting out the Vietnam attacks. Yiming picked up two
bookings and was sacked in the 74th minute.

Ten minutes later Vietnam hit the jackpot.

China will also likely be without their hardworking skipper Hu Weiwei who suffered a shoulder injury against Vietnam. Weiwei was a constant bother to the defence with his quick runs and China will miss his
services.

While much was expected of China, one has to consider that the team took over 40 hours and five transfers to arrive in Solo and they could have still been shrugging off the effects of the trip. The long
journey may have affected them but after a day’s rest today, they may be ready for action.

It’s also possible that we have not seen the best
from this team. So look out Timor Leste.

The second match tomorrow pits hosts Indonesia against Vietnam.

Vietnam surprised China with a winner six minutes from the end while Indonesia struck deep in injury time.

Although with a win each, both will be gunning for full points to secure a place in the final on
Sunday.

REMAINING FIXTURES (All matches at Manahan Stadium, Solo)

Tomorrow
3.30pm: Timor Leste vs China
6.00pm: Vietnam vs Indonesia

Friday
3.30pm: Vietnam vs Timor Leste
6.00pm: Indonesia vs China

Sunday
3.00pm: 3rd-4th Playoff
6.00pm: Final