AFF U15 BOYS: Timor Leste, Indonesia share points

It was a closely contested AFF Under-15 showdown between neighbours Indonesia and Timor Leste at the Institute of Physical Education Stadium this afternoon. They shared points after playing out a 1-1 draw which for both teams meant they were still unbeaten after three games of this tournament.

Indonesia drew first blood when Marselino Ferdinad knocked in from close range in the 45h minute but their celebrations only lasted ten minutes as a spirited Paulo Freitas headed the ball over Indonesian goalkeeper I Made Putra Kaicen. A few minutes later, Indonesia blew away a penalty opportunity when Mochamad Faizal Shaifullah’s spot kick was saved.

The draw was enough to ensure Timor Leste remained top of Group A with seven points. Indonesia trail in second with similar points while Vietnam are third despite winning their match against the Singapore today.

With time almost over, Vietnam were heaving a sigh of relief when they were awarded a penalty after a defender handled the ball. Le Minh Toan picked out his spot and hammered the shot in for Vietnam to escape with full points and more importantly keep them within an arm’s length of a semi-final slot.

In the final match of the day, Myanmar and Philippines, both without a win since the tournament kicked-off, battled furiously throughout the game. The Philippines were at their best and turned away every attempt, until six minutes from time when Myanmar’s Yan Naung Tun pounced on a loose ball to score the winner. With the 1-0 win, Myanmar are now fourth in the standings with four points.

Indonesia vs Timor Leste

Both sides created a fair share of chances, but neither managed to get a shot through in the first half. The players defied the severe heat and took the battle to each other. Timor Leste skipper Paulo had the first clear attempt, but his well-struck freekick was over the bar. A few minutes later, Marselino’s freekick right on the edge of the box slammed into the wall.

In added time, Marselino set-up Valeroen who blasted into the crossbar. Dimas Pamungkas pounced on the rebound but his fiery shot was tipped over.

Indonesia were celebrating five minutes after resumption through a Marselino strike. Wahyu Agong Drajat Mulyono took a crack but his shot came off a defender and rolled forward towards Marselino who lunged it in.

Just over ten minutes later, Paulo managed to reach the ball before the keeper and headed the ball in. It was the first goal Indonesia had conceded here. They could have settled matters two minutes later, but Mochamad Faizal’s penalty was saved by Filonito Nogueira.

Bima Sakti, the Indonesian coach, was happy with the draw. “It’s a good result for us today. For the next match against Philippines, they are a good team and we must work hard and with great motivation.”

For Timor Leste coach, Kim Shinwan, today’s match was an important game for both sides: “It’s a big match for both teams. On our part, some of our players had issues with their stamina, we have to fix this. Against Singapore we have concentrate if we want to win.”

Singapore vs Vietnam

There was a good chance the game would end without a goal, but an infringement three minutes from the end in the Singapore box handed Vietnam victory. Cai Van Quy set off down the left and quickly cut back and as he crossed, the ball came off a defender and a penalty was given. Le Minh Toan took his time and placed his shot to the left, assuring Vietnam full points today.

Earlier, both Vietnam and Singapore had their chances including shots that came off the crossbar. A few minutes before the winner, Van Quy was looking at an open goal but the Singapore defenders were faster and cleared the danger.

Philippines vs Myanmar

The Filipino players put up a brave battle in their third match of the competition today. They played their hearts out and almost recorded a draw against Myanmar, until the 74^th minute. Up to that point the Philippines players had defended superbly, cutting off the many attacks.

Then, as luck would have it, Myanmar struck gold. Min Thu crashed a low shot which goalkeeper Gabriel Anthony Cadisal reached out and blocked, to his utter dismay, the ball did not stop. Naung Tun came in from the far side to slip in the winner.

Myanmar coach Torssten Spittler said it was not a good match from his team’s perspective but he was happy with the result. “I had a serious talk with them at halftime because I was unsatisfied with what happened in the first half. Fortunately, they changed and started to fight for the ball. I told them before the match, their keeper is tall keeper, so shoot low. It took some time until they understood what I meant. I think it was the first shot really low shot and the goalkeeper could not hold it and we scored. It was not a good match from our side, but I’m hapy with the win. We still have a long way to go.” 

RESULTS AND FIXTURES

Venue: Institute of Physical Education (IPE)

TODAY’S MATCHES

Group A

Indonesia and Timor Leste drew 1-1

Vietnam bt Singapore 1-0

Myanmar bt Philippines 1-0

TOMORROW’S MATCHES

Group B

1500hrs: Australia vs Malaysia

1530hrs: Brunei vs Laos

1800hrs: Thailand vs Cambodia

THE STANDINGS

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