ROGERIO WINS IT FOR TIMOR OVER VIETNAM

Timor had gone into their first match of the competition with a 1-0 loss to hosts Indonesia before conceding their second loss in the competition through a similar score line against China.

“We won the game today because of the determination of the players and their spirit to put up a better performance than what they have shown in the first two matches. But the victory was at a price where now we have four players on the injured list,” said Kim Shin Hwan, the chief coach of Timor Leste.

With Vietnam already in the final of the competition this year following their similar 1-0 victory over China and Indonesia, it has allowed them the chance to take things a little easier against Timor Lester.

That advantage allowed them to use eight substitutes in place of the regulars and this change affected the shape and the confidence of the team as Timor Leste pressed from the start.

Timor Leste were quick to make full use of this opportunity to carve out their first goal of the game in the 23rd minute when Nidio Alves pounced on the mistake of Vietnam keeper Le Van Nghia to take the lead.

The score remained to the advantage of Timor in the first half before two substitutions just after the break gave Vietnam more pace in midfield.

In the 57th minute, they duly found the equalizer they were looking for when Ho Ngoc Thang slotted home following some hesitant Timor defence.

But sustained pressure from Timor allowed them to score the winner following a neat one-two between Nidio and Rogerio.

“We had to make several substitutions as we knew that we will be playing in the final in two days. Timor thoroughly deserved to win today as they were determined and enterprising,” added Dien Bien, the team manager of Vietnam.

TEAMS
Vietnam: Le Van Nghia (GK), Nguyen Ha Long(cpt), Nguyen Cong Danh, Do Manh Giang, Vo Ngoc Duc, Nguyen Van Dung (Dang Anh Tuan), Nguyen Minh Hai, Nguyen Viet Thang, Nguyen Van Hiep (Huynh Tan Tai), Ho Ngoc Thang, Nguyen Anh Phong (Nguyen Xuan Nam).
Subs: Nguyen Son Hai (GK), Hoang Son Tung, Dao Duy Khanh, Dang Anh Tuan, Nguyen Cong Danh, Huynh Tan Tai, Nguyen Do, Vo Ngoc Toan, Nguyen Van Nui, Nguyen Xuan Nam.
Coach: Hoang Van Phuc
Scorers: Ho Ngoc Thang (57th)
Yellow: Nguyen Xuan Nam (44th)
Red: nil

Timor Leste: Ramos Maxanches (GK), Marcus Gusmao, Olandino De Jesus, Nelson Sing, Jose Carlos Fonseca, Nicolau Fernandes (cpt), Nidio Alves, Fidel de Araujo, Adelino Reis, Olegario de Araujo, Jose Martins Do Rego.
Subs: Fagio Pereira (GK), Raimundo Sarmento, Rifqi Attamimi, Rogerio Seran, Nidio Neto, Nataniel Reis, Jose Maria Oliveira, Jorge Victor, Filipe Oliveira.
Coach: Kim Shin Hwan
Scorers: Nidio Alves (23rd), Rogerio Seran (75th)
Yellow: Olegario Araujo 85th)
Red: nil

REMAINING FIXTURES (All matches at Manahan Stadium, Solo)

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