Hosts Laos bagged their second win in the ongoing AFF Under-19 Championship when they crushed Brunei 5-0 in a Group A encounter at the National Sports Complex Stadium here tonight.
After sharing points with Cambodia in their opening match, then going down to Thailand two days ago, Laos needed to collect full points to remain in contention. And that’s just what they did tonight against Brunei, who have now lost three matches.
Laos are second with four points while Thailand, who whipped the Philippines 5-1 in an earlier game today, top the standings with six. Cambodia are third with four points due to goal difference.
The hosts have a three-day break before playing their last group match against the Philippines on Sunday.
Laos wasted no time today as they realised they had no option but to win today. As soon as the whistle went, the Laos players surged forward with the nippy Maitee and Sayfa Aphideth leading the assault. After some battering, the Brunei defence broke down in the 13thminute when Souksavanh Xayalin blasted the hosts ahead.
Ten minutes later, Sinthannong Phanvongsa tore down the middle and rammed home from close range to take a comfortable two-goal cushion at the break. It was the same story in the second half, with Maitee and Sayfa constantly knocking away at their opponents’ goal.
Laos’ efforts paid off as they reeled in three more goals before the night was over. Sayfa struck the third in the 50th minute with Somxay Keohanam stabbing in the next in the 75th minute. With the clock ticking away, Laos added another after a series of neat passes between Maitee, Sayfa and Sinthanong, who provided the final touch in the 80th minute.
“It was a good game. Brunei defended well in the first part, but once we broke through it was easier for the players. We knew we had to score goals and that boys did well. Now we have to win our last game against the Philippines.”
TODAY’S RESULTS
Group A
Thailand 5 Philippines 1
Laos 5 Brunei 0
FIXTURES
Aug 27 (Group B)
4.00pm: Vietnam vs Malaysia
7.00pm: Myanmar vs Timor Leste
Aug 28 (Group A)
4.00pm: Philippines vs Cambodia
7.00pm: Brunei vs Thailand
Aug 29 (Group B)
4.00pm: Malaysia vs Myanmar
7.00pm: Singapore vs Vietnam
Aug 30 (Group A)
4.00pm: Thailand vs Cambodia
7.00pm: Laos vs Philippines
Aug 31 (Group B)
4.00pm: Timor Leste vs Singapore
7.00pm: Myanmar vs Vietnam
Note: For full fixtures and details, please go to www.aseanfootball.org
