BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (2 March 2012) – With still the crucial match against Malaysia to play for, Brunei midfielder Mohd Hendra Azam Idris’ continued campaign in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2012 is at a risk.
The youngster picked up an ankle injury in Brunei’s 2-1 loss to Vietnam. A key cog in Brunei’s midfield, he was on the wrong end of a two-footed sliding tackle in the 21st minute.
“I’m not sure if I can play in the tournament again,” said Hendra to the Brunei Times. “I still can’t use my boots and I’m on painkillers at the moment. My foot got swollen and I couldn’t continue wearing boots (after the tackle).
“Something’s wrong with the tissue. My foot was really swollen yesterday, but it has got better now. I’ll try wearing boots again today.
“I think the chances of me playing (in the HBT) again are 50-50. But, of course, I want to play again we have to win our next game against Malaysia (on Saturday).”
One of five players to represent the country at last year’s SEA Games in Jakarta, Hendra’s absence from the HBT side will no doubt be a big blow to the squad.
“We can still play as a team even if Hendra is not in the side. But of course, we hope he will recover in time to play again,” said striker Adi Said.
“I’m sad with the final result (against Vietnam in which Brunei lost 2-1). It should have been a draw or a win. We had a lot of chances, but finishing was the problem.
“Our focus now is on our next two games against Malaysia and Timor Leste (on Monday). We must win them both.”
