LAOS WIN PRE-SEA GAMES

VIENTIANE (7 Oct 2009) – Despite only managing a 1-1 draw against Malaysia in their final round robin match last night, Laos still emerged at the top of the standings at the pre-SEA Games on better goal difference.

In the match that was played at the newly unveiled National Stadium, the Laotian found the Malaysian defence had to crack in the first half.

But coming at the back of their 2-2 draw against Vietnam in their first match and then a 3-0 win over Thailand in their second game, the Laos Under-23 side duly found the lead through Paseuthsack Souliyavong 81st minute.

Three minutes later however, Malaysia made it all even when striker A. Thamil Arasu blasted in the equaliser to share the spoils.

Both teams ended the pre-SEA Games tournament on the same five points each although Laos have a slight one-goal advantage to finish on top.

In the meantime, the U19 team of Thailand got the better of their counterparts from Vietnam with a 3-1 beating in the second game of the day.

The win proved that the win Thailand scored last month over the same rival in the AFF U19 championship in Ho Chi Minh City was no fluke.

The score at the break was 3-0 with Thailand scoring off Piyarat Lajungreed in the 12th minute, Natthawut Khamrin in the 16th minute and then Sarach Yooyen in the 44th minute.

Vietnam scored their only goal of the game from Trinh Dui Long ten minutes to the end.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Laos 5pts (+3)

2. Malaysia 5pts (+2)

3. Thailand 4pts (-1)

4. Vietnam 1pt (-2)