PHNOM PENH (25 Oct 2008) – Cambodia celebrated their qualification into the main event AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 in December when they beat Brunei 2-1 in the fifth and final match day of the qualifiers at the National Olympic Stadium.
With both teams needing to win the tie on the day to make into the next round, it was Brunei who drew first blood through Hardi Anak Bujang in the 44th minute before Cambodia replied with the equaliser through Sam El Nasa a minute later.
But Borey delivered the winning strike in the 73rd minute for the more than 15,000 fans a reason to get to their feet.
“We are happy with the results and of course, making it to the main event of the competition,” said Prak Sovannara, the head coach for Cambodia.
“It was a tough match but I think that Borey has improved tremendously and that made the difference on the day.”
The game started with a curling corner from Hardi which forced Cambodian keeper Ouk Mic to come out for the punch.
Cambodia replied with a freekick from Kim Chanburith but Mohd Wardun Yussof was equal to the task.
The game went into higher gear after that with Brunei’s Mohd Abu Bakar Mahari going wide while Cambodia’s Chan Rithy’s cross was denied by Wardun.
But as the game became to slow down going into the break, Brunei grabbed the lead in the 44th minute with Hardi turning a defender before blasting the ball past the rooted Ouk Mic.
Under pressure from the fans, Cambodia pushed ahead and it took them less than 60 seconds to find the equaliser as Sam nailed the rebound off an earlier shot from Chan Rithy.
The second half saw Brunei playing it a little more cautious while Cambodia kept up with the same momentum.
In the 48th minute, substitute striker Kouch Sokumpheak broke through but his grounder went straight to Wardin instead.
Brunei’s only real chance after the break came off Mohd Subhi Bakir which came off the right post.
But there was no denying Cambodia the win and the full points when Borey picked up a short pass form the middle before putting it past Wardun.
Five minutes to the end, Borey had another chance to wrap the game up but his shot went inches wide in front of an open goalmouth.
“It was not easy to bring up the spirit of the players after the loss they suffered in the last game,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.
“But I am very disappointed with the loss today. It was a sad result for me.”
With the win for Laos, it has made the passage for the Philippines for the meet in December a lot harder.
Showing posts with label AFF Suzuki Cup 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AFF Suzuki Cup 2008. Show all posts
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 - Late Goal Downs Brunei
PHNOM PENH (23 Oct 2008) – A late header from Saynakhonevieng Phommapanya took Laos a step closer to confirming their place in the next round of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 when they beat Brunei 3-2 in the fourth match day of the qualifiers here at the National Olympic Stadium.
With the score tied at 2-2, Saynakhonevieng headed home the winner from the far post to give Laos their second win following their victory over the Philippines in their last match.
“We changed five players for this game and that was probably why we did not play well in the first half,” said Veleriy Vdovin, the head coach for Laos.
“We brought in the regulars after the break and we played much better after that. But I think that we were a little lucky today because if the Brunei team had defended better towards the end, we would have lost.”
With the win today, Laos have picked up six points while Brunei are still on four points going into the last match of the qualifiers on Saturday.
Laos, who had won the qualifiers two years ago in the Philippines, started stronger with Vongphet Sylisay blasting over a cross from Lamnao Singto early in the seventh minute.
But a minute later, Laos took the lead when Visay Phaphouvanin blasted in a goal mouth melee which took a deflection off a defender before sailing into the Brunei goal.
Rattled, Brunei pushed forward and while they totally muffed a double chance off a corner in the 20th minute, they made that up with the equalizer eight minutes later.
Mohd Azwan Saleh floated in a cross from the right for Hardi Bujang to deliver an inch perfect glancing header into the Laotian goal.
With the score level at 1-1 at the start of the second half, Brunei played a more defensive game while Laos piled on the pressure in search of the winner.
In the 53rd minute, Phayvanh Lounglath’s freekick went straight to the arms of Brunei keeper Mohd Wardun Yussof while five minutes later; a header from Lamnao came off the woodwork.
But while Laos was busy trying to prise open their opponent’s defence, it was Brunei who took the lead in the 84th minute when off a cross from Azwan, substitute Mohd Abu Bakar Mahari headed home from the near post for them to be in front for the first time in the game.
Laos maintained their composure and continued to pressure the cagey Brunei defence.
And before long they finally found the equalizer late in the 89th minute when Lamnao picked up a cross from the centre before chipping the ball over Wardun to put the score at 2-2.
With seconds remaining to the final whistle, came Saynakhonevieng’s header which put Laos firmly in the driver’s seat as they look to playing against Timor Leste in the final game of the qualifiers in two days.
“We are very disappointed with the results. We do not think that we deserve to lose this match,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.
“We have three players suspended and with this defeat, it is very difficult for us to qualify into the next round.”
With the score tied at 2-2, Saynakhonevieng headed home the winner from the far post to give Laos their second win following their victory over the Philippines in their last match.
“We changed five players for this game and that was probably why we did not play well in the first half,” said Veleriy Vdovin, the head coach for Laos.
“We brought in the regulars after the break and we played much better after that. But I think that we were a little lucky today because if the Brunei team had defended better towards the end, we would have lost.”
With the win today, Laos have picked up six points while Brunei are still on four points going into the last match of the qualifiers on Saturday.
Laos, who had won the qualifiers two years ago in the Philippines, started stronger with Vongphet Sylisay blasting over a cross from Lamnao Singto early in the seventh minute.
But a minute later, Laos took the lead when Visay Phaphouvanin blasted in a goal mouth melee which took a deflection off a defender before sailing into the Brunei goal.
Rattled, Brunei pushed forward and while they totally muffed a double chance off a corner in the 20th minute, they made that up with the equalizer eight minutes later.
Mohd Azwan Saleh floated in a cross from the right for Hardi Bujang to deliver an inch perfect glancing header into the Laotian goal.
With the score level at 1-1 at the start of the second half, Brunei played a more defensive game while Laos piled on the pressure in search of the winner.
In the 53rd minute, Phayvanh Lounglath’s freekick went straight to the arms of Brunei keeper Mohd Wardun Yussof while five minutes later; a header from Lamnao came off the woodwork.
But while Laos was busy trying to prise open their opponent’s defence, it was Brunei who took the lead in the 84th minute when off a cross from Azwan, substitute Mohd Abu Bakar Mahari headed home from the near post for them to be in front for the first time in the game.
Laos maintained their composure and continued to pressure the cagey Brunei defence.
And before long they finally found the equalizer late in the 89th minute when Lamnao picked up a cross from the centre before chipping the ball over Wardun to put the score at 2-2.
With seconds remaining to the final whistle, came Saynakhonevieng’s header which put Laos firmly in the driver’s seat as they look to playing against Timor Leste in the final game of the qualifiers in two days.
“We are very disappointed with the results. We do not think that we deserve to lose this match,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.
“We have three players suspended and with this defeat, it is very difficult for us to qualify into the next round.”
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 - Brunei Go Top
PHNOM PENH (21 Oct 2008) – Brunei blasted Timor Leste 4-1 to go top of the standings in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 qualifiers here at the National Olympic Stadium.
With Laos beating the Philippines 2-1 in an earlier match, it has made the chase for the two only available spots into the next round still open.
“It was an excellent game and it was tough until the final whistle,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.
“But we were going for the positive result as we needed the points to make sure that we have a good chance to qualify into the next round.”
With Timor looking a shade off colour as captain Alfredo Esteves looking a little restrained, it allowed Brunei more space to push forward.
It did not take too long for Brunei to go in front where in the ninth minute off a short pass from the left, prolific striker Mohd Shahraezn Said blasted home to put them in front.
Timor continued to struggle after that and with the failure to win the midfield battles, their stray passes added to the confusion of the forwards as Brunei continued to stamp their authority.
In the 26th minute, Shahrazen was again on target when he headed home a well-executed cross from Sairol Sahari to put the sultanate in a confident mood as they head into the dressing room at the half.
The second half saw Simunic urging his lads on and in the 57th minute, Brunei nailed their third goal of the evening when a clever chip from the midfield was put well beyond the reach of Timor keeper Leonel Araujo by the nippy Mohd Azwan Saleh.
Brunei gave then gave themselves an unassiable lead in the 76th minute with a penalty from Sallehuddin Damit although Timor did pull a goal back ten minutes to the end from Rosito Soares.
“Brunei started the match better than us,” lamented Pedro Almeida, the head coach for Timor Leste.
“We made two mistakes earlier in the game and they scored both times. That is football.”
After the loss today, Timor Leste became the first casualty of the qualifiers.
With Laos beating the Philippines 2-1 in an earlier match, it has made the chase for the two only available spots into the next round still open.
“It was an excellent game and it was tough until the final whistle,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.
“But we were going for the positive result as we needed the points to make sure that we have a good chance to qualify into the next round.”
With Timor looking a shade off colour as captain Alfredo Esteves looking a little restrained, it allowed Brunei more space to push forward.
It did not take too long for Brunei to go in front where in the ninth minute off a short pass from the left, prolific striker Mohd Shahraezn Said blasted home to put them in front.
Timor continued to struggle after that and with the failure to win the midfield battles, their stray passes added to the confusion of the forwards as Brunei continued to stamp their authority.
In the 26th minute, Shahrazen was again on target when he headed home a well-executed cross from Sairol Sahari to put the sultanate in a confident mood as they head into the dressing room at the half.
The second half saw Simunic urging his lads on and in the 57th minute, Brunei nailed their third goal of the evening when a clever chip from the midfield was put well beyond the reach of Timor keeper Leonel Araujo by the nippy Mohd Azwan Saleh.
Brunei gave then gave themselves an unassiable lead in the 76th minute with a penalty from Sallehuddin Damit although Timor did pull a goal back ten minutes to the end from Rosito Soares.
“Brunei started the match better than us,” lamented Pedro Almeida, the head coach for Timor Leste.
“We made two mistakes earlier in the game and they scored both times. That is football.”
After the loss today, Timor Leste became the first casualty of the qualifiers.
AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 - LITTLE BRUNEI HOLD PHILIPPINES TO A DRAW
PHNOM PENH (19 Oct 2008) – Brunei gave a sterling performance in their first match of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 qualifiers to hold the Philippines to a pulsating 1-1 draw at the National Olympic Stadium.
The sultanate side had the day off on the first match day two days earlier and were raring to go against the Philippines who have a roaring start to their qualifiers when they beat Timor Leste 1-0.
“We are a little amateur team,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.
“And the game could have gone either way. It was 50-50. But I’m very proud of my players for what they showed today.”
Brunei started the match strongly with prolific striker Mohd Shahrazen Said delivering a point blank shot which forced a spectacular save from Philippines’ custodian Neil Etheridge.
Three minutes later, Philippines fought back with a freekick from Alexander Borromeo which was cleared by the Brunei’s defence.
But in the 17th minute, Brunei went ahead when Shahrazen made good on a cross from Muhd Maududi Kasmi to put the ball over the reach of Etheridge for the lead.
Under pressure, Philippines created several chances after that but just can’t seem to find the last touch to make it count.
However, just when things seem to be heading for a deadlock at the half, Philippines finally broke through with the equalizer five minutes to the break.
An innocuous cross from the right was headed into goal by the waiting Chad Gould as Brunei’s defensive line failed to make the proper clearance.
The second half saw both teams upping the tempo which in the end resulted with a flurry of yellow cards being flashed by referee Setiyono Midi.
As the game wore on, Brunei became increasingly tired as they struggled to keep out the Philippines.
In the 68th minute, Brunei’s Sairol Sahari’s volley was denied by Etheridge while the Philippines replied with a header from Gould which went over the crossbar.
Philippines came the closest after the break but Ian Araneta’s blast came off the crossbar – much to the disappointment of the Philippines bench.
“I am not happy with the results where we were denied by the crossbar twice,” said Juan Cutillas, the head coach of Cambodia afterwards.
“The game was even, but we created the better chances. We deserve to win – there was no doubt about that.”
The sultanate side had the day off on the first match day two days earlier and were raring to go against the Philippines who have a roaring start to their qualifiers when they beat Timor Leste 1-0.
“We are a little amateur team,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.
“And the game could have gone either way. It was 50-50. But I’m very proud of my players for what they showed today.”
Brunei started the match strongly with prolific striker Mohd Shahrazen Said delivering a point blank shot which forced a spectacular save from Philippines’ custodian Neil Etheridge.
Three minutes later, Philippines fought back with a freekick from Alexander Borromeo which was cleared by the Brunei’s defence.
But in the 17th minute, Brunei went ahead when Shahrazen made good on a cross from Muhd Maududi Kasmi to put the ball over the reach of Etheridge for the lead.
Under pressure, Philippines created several chances after that but just can’t seem to find the last touch to make it count.
However, just when things seem to be heading for a deadlock at the half, Philippines finally broke through with the equalizer five minutes to the break.
An innocuous cross from the right was headed into goal by the waiting Chad Gould as Brunei’s defensive line failed to make the proper clearance.
The second half saw both teams upping the tempo which in the end resulted with a flurry of yellow cards being flashed by referee Setiyono Midi.
As the game wore on, Brunei became increasingly tired as they struggled to keep out the Philippines.
In the 68th minute, Brunei’s Sairol Sahari’s volley was denied by Etheridge while the Philippines replied with a header from Gould which went over the crossbar.
Philippines came the closest after the break but Ian Araneta’s blast came off the crossbar – much to the disappointment of the Philippines bench.
“I am not happy with the results where we were denied by the crossbar twice,” said Juan Cutillas, the head coach of Cambodia afterwards.
“The game was even, but we created the better chances. We deserve to win – there was no doubt about that.”
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