CONFIDENCE BOOSTER FOR LAOS U20

VIENTIANE (July 29, 2007) – A goal in each half gave the Laos national Under-20 side a well-deserved 2-0 win over their Vietnamese counterparts in the friendly match which was played in Vientiane.

The team, who are preparing for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-20 championship this week, played a more patient game as against their Vietnamese opponents.

In the 18th minute, a foul on Xang Nha by Vietnam defender Ngoc Manh inside the box saw a penalty being awarded with the former making no mistake from the spot.

Vietnam went on the offensive in search of the equaliser after falling behind but The Cuong and Tien Duy just could not find the intended target just before the break.

And when Vietnam were denied yet again by the crossbar in the second half, Laos took the initiative to double their lead through Keo Vi Xuyen ten minutes from time.

For the AFF U20 championship which will be held in Vietnam, Laos have been placed in Group A up against Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar and Brunei.

Their first game of the competition is against Myanmar on August 1, 2007.

All matches will be played at the Thanh Long Sports Complex in Ho Chi Minh City.