BRUNEI BOW OUT OF CONTENTION

PETALING JAYA (Sept 4, 2001) – After three days of watching from the sidelines, Vietnam were dying to get into action. And it showed when they were unleashed against Brunei at the MPPJ Stadium tonight.

The Vietnam players were hungry for a win and also for the goals. They were constantly on the attack and started reeling in the goals after only 10 minutes. Vietnam would have bagged more goals had it not been for some poor finishing from the strikers.

To Duc Cuong scored twice while Thach Bao Khanh, Nguyen Quoc Trung and Nguyen Minh Nghia netted the other goals.

Brunei would have suffered a heavier defeat had it not been for the goalkeeper, Mohd Wardun Yussof, who pulled off numerous saves tonight. But he could only do so much to stop the marauding Vietnamese forwards.

The defeat also meant that Brunei’s hopes of making the semifinals are all but over. With one more match left for Brunei, there is no chance for them to make the cut.

In tonight’s match, Vietnam did not need any time to settle down and shot into attack from the moment referee Rungklay Mongkol blew the whistle.

After the first few minutes, Brunei keeper Mohd Wardun Yussof was already tested and in the 10th minute, the inevitable happened. Striker Thach Bao Khanh weaved past three defenders and hammered the ball in.

The goal fired up the Vietnam players and they pushed up in numbers in search of more goals. Two minutes after the opening goal, Nguyen Huu Thang raced in but watched with dismay as his shot hit the upright.

The speedy To Duc Cuong had his chance in the 22nd minute. After forcing his way into the box and with only the keeper standing in front him, blasted directly at the custodian.

Against the run of play, Brunei launched a move forward and ended up stunning the Vietnamese in the 25th minute. Jasriman Johari picked up a loose ball at the top of the box, turned and fired a dipping shot over the Vietnam keeper.

The Vietnam strikers continued to attack in waves with Nguyen Minh Nghia, Duc Cuong, Nguyen Minh Phuong and Bao Khanh constantly taking shots at goal.

To the credit of the Brunei goalkeeper and his defenders, they did very well to clear any attempts that went their way. But in the last minute of the first half, none could stop Duc Cuong from claiming the second Vietnam goal of the night.

Vietnam continued from where they left off in the first half and added a third through Duc Cuong, who slipped past his markers to score in the 52nd minute. It was his second of the night.

Nguyen Minh Nghia and Nguyen Quoc Trung scored two more to make it 5-1 for Vietnam.

CAMBODIA END WITH DEFEAT

PETALINF JAYA (Sept 10, 2001) – There was nothing left for Laos and Cambodia to fight for but their pride. Judging from the performances dished out by both sides, it was obvious that there far more than the game at stake.

The arch rivals fought to the final whistle but in the end it was Laos who emerged with full points after Phengta Phounsamay scored twice, once in each half of what was a action-packed game.

With the victory, Laos finish fourth in Group A with three points while Cambodia complete the fixtures with only one point from their dramatic draw against Myanmar.

For almost the first 30 minutes of the game, Laos and Cambodia exchanged fire at both goals. However, none of their efforts resulted in goals.

But all that changed on the half hour mark as Laos stunned their opponents with a solo run from Phengta Phounsamay, who managed to round the goalkeeper and fire into an open goal.

Cambodia, who had surprised everyone by holding Myanmar to a draw last week, tried hard to get back at their arch rivals but were unable to get through the Laotion defence.

Their one shot at goal was in the 38th minute but a well struck freekick from Kao Nisai was caught by Laos goalkeeper, Vannasith Thilavongsa.

The pace of the game never changed much after the interval. Both sides did their utmost to get the goals. But in the 75th minute, Laos were rewarded with a second goal from Phengta again.

The nippy striker picked up a fine pass from teammate Nitsavong Khounpachansy and easily turned it in to the delight of the small band of vociferous Laos supporters.

CAMBODIA: Ouk Mic, Sam El Nasa, Yous Bonarath, Peas Sothy, Meas Channa, Pok Chanthan, Chea Virath, Chea Makara, K.C. Bunrith, Rith Dika, Kao Nisai.

LAOS: Vannasith Thilavongsa, Anousone Khotsombath, Anan Tapsouvanh, Bounthavy Khamphouanh, Phengta Phounsamay, Nitsavong Khounpachansy, Souksavanh, Tippasong Muangchan, Sanasith Anolack, Oupasong Soliya, Visay Phaphovanine.

MYANMAR KNOCK SINGAPORE OUT

PETALING JAYA (Sept 7, 2001) – It was a battle for survival and both teams knew only a good result would ensure their continued presence in the 21st Kuala Lumpur SEA Games. A defeat would result in their premature exit from the tournament even before the official opening tomorrow evening.

With such high odds at stake, both teams did everything they possibly could to get the goals. Needless to say, the action was intense and the tackles hard as the players took no chances. And how ironic it was that the match turned out to be a heart-stopper.

In the end though, it was Myanmar who emerged the winners and the prize for their efforts was a place in the semifinals. The crucial strikes were delivered by Aung Tun Naing and Yan Paing.

The two remaining matches in Group A between Thailand and Myanmar will decide which team tops the group.

Thailand currently have six points while Myanmar are second with seven. Singapore, who have completed their preliminary matches, are third with four points.

There was no time wasting as both teams got into the act immediately after the whistle. Myanmar and Singapore were both obviously eager to get the early goal as that would take a whle load of pressure of them.

As a result, the fans were treated to some non-stop action for virtually the entire half. However, it was Myanmar who were doing most of the attacking. Myanmar could have stormed ahead but were let down by poor finishing.

Singapore too, led by the tournament’s current topscprer Indra Sahdan Daud, had several looks at goal but nothing came out of them.

Then with three minutes remaining, the 2,000 or so Myanmar spectators, leapt with joy as striker Aung Tun Naing finally smashed the deadlock. But this goal only came about after a terrible blunder by Singapore Ratna Suffian Ishak.

Singapore worked harder to try and force their way forward. But their moves were quickly cut off by the defenders or pushed away to safety by their goalkeeper Aung Aung Oo.

Like in the first half, Myanmar continued to attack in waves but alas, their efforts fizzled out before they could cause any damage. The Myanmar forwards were fast but they lacked the creative sense in front of goal and lost many chances to increase the scoreline.

In the 75th minute, Myanmar’s hardwork paid off when Yan Paing’s left-footed shot from some 20 metres out slipped past goalkeeper Lionel Lewis and rolled in.

Myanmar suffered a blow in the 80th minute when Zaw Lynn Tun was booked for the second time this evening and was subsequantly sent off.

Two minutes later, Singapore was back in the game when Indra Sahdan tookm advantage of a defensive slip-up to put the score at 2-1.

SINGAPORE: Lionel Lewis, Mohamed Noh Rahman, Mohammad Johaness, Ratna Suffian Ishak, Adrian Yeo, Soe Lin Tun, Indra Sahdan Daud, Mohamed Fadzuhasny Juraim (Mohairudyn Romly), Razeligh Khalik, Masrezwan Masturi, Khairani Sanuci, Anuar Shah Mohamed (Razali Johari).

MYANMAR: Aung Aung Oo, Min Thu, Zaw Lynn Tun, Soe Myat Win, Tint Naing Tun Thein, Aung Kyaw Moe, Nay Thu Hlaing, Min Thwin, Aung Kyaw Myint, Aung Tun Naing.

MALAYSIA GO OUT WITH WIN OVER PHILIPPINES 

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 10, 2001) – Malaysia finished third in Group A after defeating the Philippines by a single goal in their final preliminary match at the KLFA Stadium here today. The hosts however failed to make the cut for the semifinals.

The Malaysian women, who lost both their earlier matches against Thailand and Myanmar, were battling for their first points of the tournament and also the chance to end third in the group.

Thanks to a 30th minute goal from Rozana Roslan, the Malaysians managed to collect three points and force the Philippines into the last spot.

Thailand and Myanmar both scored wins over Malaysia and the Philippines and have six points each. The two giants of the group will square off with each other later tonight to decide which team will top the group.

The winner of Group A will likely avoid Vietnam, the current Group B leaders, in the crossover semifinals.

INDONESIA WANT TO COMPETE IN ASIAN GAMES

JAKARTA (Oct 20, 2001) – The Indonesian FA will be appealing that the national team is allowed to compete in the football competition at the 2002 Pusan Asian Games.

The FA are hoping the governing body for Indonesian sports (KONI) will give the green light for them to send a team to the Asian Games. Indonesia have missed the last three editions of the Games in Beijing (1990), Hiroshima (1994) and Bangkok (1998).

The Indonesian football team have not competed because the relevant authorities felt the team was not up to the mark and did not fulfill the necessary criteria set by the KONI.

According to Kompas, PSSI’s Eddi Elison was reported as saying that the association had drawn up a training programme for the national team for the Asiad.

However, he said that PSSI had to convince KONI to allow them to send a team to the Asiad.

Meanwhile, an official in charge of the Asian Games trainees, Imron ZS, said that football did not comply with the necessary criteria and there were no plans at the moment to include the sport in the Asiad. Any decision, he said, must come from KONI.

The criteria required are the sport must be KL SEA Games finalists, ranked top five in Asia or have scholarships from the IOC or Olympic Solidarity programme.

At the moment, 20 sports have been identified for the Asian Games.

CASH-STRAPPED VIETNAMESE CLUBS SEEK HELP

HO CHI MINH CITY (Oct 19, 2001) – Financial problems are affecting the participation of two leading Vietnamese clubs this season, Song Lam Nghe An and HCM City Police, in international tournaments.

SLNA, the league champs, and HCM City, claim that competing in international inter-club tournaments were expensive. Furthermore, Vietnamese clubs have not enjoyed much success abroad.

“It’s a waste of time and money especially when we have to face such strong opponents,” one coach was quoted as saying in Vietnam News. “With no hope of winning, there is no point. We just spend money and lose prestige.”

VFF general secretary, Pham Ngoc Vien, had an opposing view to offer. He said staying away from such events had a negative effect on the national game.

He said competing in internationals helped raise the standard of the teams and improve integration and development. “Withdrawals may hurt us.”

Meanwhile, the Vietnam News reported that there were calls to the Federation to consider increasing the prize money for the V-League and National Cup winners. They also want the current US$7,000 provided in financial assistance to travelling teams to be doubled.

The teams also want more help in overcoming the logistical problems associated with competing abroad.

SEA GAMES: YAN PAING HELPS MYANMAR BAG THE BRONZE

PETALING JAYA (Sept 15, 2001) – A late first half goal from striker Yan Paing helped Myanmar edge Indonesia 1-0 in the third-fourth placing playoff at the MPPJ Stadium today.

Yan Paing blasted the winner in the 44th minute to help his team wrest the bronze. It was the team’s first medal in men’s football since their silver effort at the 1993 SEA Games in Singapore.

Myanmar, one of the underdogs of the tournament, have proven to be a side with lots of heart and determination but are still lacking in experience.

Despite this, the Myanmar team managed to overcome the odds to pick up the bronze. Coach David Booth has obviously done a lot of good work with the team and deserves praise.

In today’s match, Myanmar showed little signs of suffering from the aftermath of their battle with hosts Malaysia in the semifinals. Myanmar took the fight to their opponents and were soon creating opportunities for themselves.

Indonesia too started well and were soon taking shots at the Myanmar goal. But in the dying minutes of the first half, Yan Paing fired his team ahead. They never looked back after that.

After the break Indonesia tried hard to get the equaliser but failed at everything they did. Their chief striker Bambang Pamungkas had sevreal good chances to level the game and possibly even send his team ahead, but the nippy striker was unable to deliver.

Indonesia tried but never recovered from the goal and finished with no medals for the first time since the Chiagmai Games in 1995.

MYANMAR: Aung Aung Oo, Min Thu, Zaw Lynn Tun, Soe Myat Min, Soe Lin Tun, Tint Naing Tun Thein, Aung Kyaw Moe (Lwin Oo), Yan Paing, Min Thwin, Aung Kyaw Myint (Aung Kyaw Tun), Aung Tun Naing (Nay Thu Hlaing).

INDONESIA: Yandri Christian Pitoy, Isnan Ali, Ismed Sofiyan, Firmansyah, Zulfadely, Edu Juanda, Elie Aiboy, Maman, Warsidi, Bambang Pamungkas, Purwanto.

LAOS SINK CAMBODIA WITH TWO STRIKES

PETALINF JAYA (Sept 10, 2001) – There was nothing left for Laos and Cambodia to fight for but their pride. Judging from the performances dished out by both sides, it was obvious that there far more than the game at stake.

The arch rivals fought to the final whistle but in the end it was Laos who emerged with full points after Phengta Phounsamay scored twice, once in each half of what was a action-packed game.

With the victory, Laos finish fourth in Group A with three points while Cambodia complete the fixtures with only one point from their dramatic draw against Myanmar.

For almost the first 30 minutes of the game, Laos and Cambodia exchanged fire at both goals. However, none of their efforts resulted in goals.

But all that changed on the half hour mark as Laos stunned their opponents with a solo run from Phengta Phounsamay, who managed to round the goalkeeper and fire into an open goal.

Cambodia, who had surprised everyone by holding Myanmar to a draw last week, tried hard to get back at their arch rivals but were unable to get through the Laotion defence.

Their one shot at goal was in the 38th minute but a well struck freekick from Kao Nisai was caught by Laos goalkeeper, Vannasith Thilavongsa.

The pace of the game never changed much after the interval. Both sides did their utmost to get the goals. But in the 75th minute, Laos were rewarded with a second goal from Phengta again.

The nippy striker picked up a fine pass from teammate Nitsavong Khounpachansy and easily turned it in to the delight of the small band of vociferous Laos supporters.

CAMBODIA: Ouk Mic, Sam El Nasa, Yous Bonarath, Peas Sothy, Meas Channa, Pok Chanthan, Chea Virath, Chea Makara, K.C. Bunrith, Rith Dika, Kao Nisai.

LAOS: Vannasith Thilavongsa, Anousone Khotsombath, Anan Tapsouvanh, Bounthavy Khamphouanh, Phengta Phounsamay, Nitsavong Khounpachansy, Souksavanh, Tippasong Muangchan, Sanasith Anolack, Oupasong Soliya, Visay Phaphovanine.

LAST-GASP WINNER HELPS BAHRAIN HOLD THAILAND 
BANGKOK (Oct 16, 2001) – Thailand were hoping to win their first match of the Asian zone 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign tonight but a last gasp strike from Hussain Ali Ahmad resulted in a drawn game here tonight.

This match was a replayed match of the game that was abandoned on Saturday. The match was abandoned after a fire broke out in the Rajamangala Stadium. As a result, a substantial part of the lights went out. The fire was caused by a short circuit in the electrical room.

Bahrain were trailing by a goal from 2002 Tiger Cup hero Worawut Srimaka in the first half. After an impressive second half, the Thais looked like they would be collecting full points for the very first time.

However, to the dismay of the Thais, Hussain hit the equaliser in the very last minute of the match.

Thailand, the only team from Southeast Asia to qualify for the second stage of the Asian qualifiers, will play their final match against Saudi Arabia.

ROUGH RIDE FOR UNDER-17 SIDE

PETALING JAYA (Feb 8, 2002) – The Malaysian Under-17 team will face their stiffest test yet when they compete in the inaugural AFF Under-17 youth tournament to be held from Feb 19 to Mar 2.

Malaysia will host Group A while the second group will play their preliminary matches in Indonesia.

The hosts have been drawn together with archrivals Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Brunei. The other five Asean teams – Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are in Group B.

“This tournament will be very useful because it will provide the team with tough matches to test their physical and mental strength,” said the team’s head coach, Zainal Abidin Hassan.

“This will also serve as a good learning opportunity for the boys. They will be better prepared to give a good account of themselves at the AFC Under-17 qualifiers in May,” said Zainal, a former international striker.

“We urge football fans to support our team. Fans can play an integral part in the success of the team, just like when they spurred the Under-23 team on during the SEA Games,” said Dato’ Ibrahim Saad, Chairman of the Organising Committee at a Press Conference to announce Nestle Products Sdn Bhd as the sponsor for the event.

“We are happy with the various development programmes initiated by the FAM and see the tremendous potential for football to once again capture the imagination of the Malaysian public,” said Nestle’s Sports Marketing and Sponsorship Manager, Dina Rizal.

The AFF Under-17 event is one of two youth tournaments introduced by the AFF this year. The inaugural AFF Under-20 meet was staged with great success in Thailand and Cambodia. The Thais emerged the champions.