SOMSAVAT PRAISES LAOS FOOTBALLERS

VIENTIANE (15 Dec 2009) – Laos Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad were all praise for the country’s footballers despite them not making the final after losing to Malaysia in the semi-finals last night.

He said that the players should feel proud as making the semi-finals was already a historic achievement.

“The Laos footballers should be praised for reaching the semi-final round for the first time in a SEA Games competition,” said Somsavat.

“I can see that they have improved because of hard training and tried their best as the hosts of this event.

“But the fans should continue to encourage Laos athletes in the remaining days of the competition to cheer the athletes to win for their country.”

Laos had created history this year when they made the semi-finals of men’s football by beating Indonesia and also holding Singapore and Myanmar in the group stage.

But they lost out of a place in the final in the 25th edition of the SEA Games after losing to Malaysia 3-1 last night at the Main Stadium.

Laos continued improvement in football was due to their team’s long-term attachment with Vietnam club Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) for over a year.