OPENING DEFEAT FOR BRUNEI

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (5 April 2009) – Brunei did not have the best of start to their campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers when they conceded a 5-1 defeat to Sri Lanka.

In the match that was played at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka, the hosts had striker Kasun Jayasuriya to thank for their big win when the latter slammed four personal goals in front of their screaming fans.

Kasun, who plays for Sri Lankan champions Ratnam Sports Club, scored the opener on 23rd minutes before adding further goals in the
53rd, 67th and 73rd minute.

Ali Asmeer scored the other goal for Sri Lank in the 32nd minute as Kamarul Ramlee then stole the consolation goal eight minutes to the end.

In another Group D match, Pakistan held Chinese Taipei 1-1.

In the next match of the group tomorrow, hosts Sri Lanka will play Chinese Taipei while Pakistan will take on Brunei.