PTT Chonburi Bluewave won Group A in superb fashion when they put down Sanvinest Sanatech Khanh Hoa 8-2 in their final group match of the AFF Futsal Cup 2019 here at Terminal 21 Korat as MIU FC then whipped Down Town Sport 9-3 to take Group B later in the evening.
Chonburi, who had stuttered somewhat in their first game to draw 5-5 against Black Steel Manokwari of Indonesia, finally arrived at Terminal 21 when they put up a commanding display to hold down Vietnam’s Sanvinest in front more than 2,000 fans.
“It was a much improved performance than from the first match and naturally, we are looking forward to the semi-finals (in two days),” said PTT Chonburi head coach Rakphol Sainetngam afterwards.
With Sanvinest somehow unable to put two passes right, it did not take Chonburi too long from carving out their first goal of the game when Jirawat Sornwichian headed in the corner after just four minutes in.
Thai international and easily the most recognisable face of Thai Futsal Suphawut Thuenklang then delivered a quick double all in a frantic sixth minute offensive to put Chonburi comfortable at 3-0 in front.
Apiwat Chaemchapoen delivered the fourth goal for Chonburi in the eighth minute as Sanvinest then finally pulled a goal back through Phan Khac Chi’s freekick four minutes later.
The score at the half was 6-1 in favour of Chonburi with two quick goals from Panut Kittipanuwong (18th minute) and Ronnachai Jungwongsuk (19th).
Chonburi never lose the plot well into the second half as they kept Sanvinest at bay and maintained a strong grip to score two more goals from Peepapat Kaewwilai (27th minute) and Apiwat (34th).
Sanvinest did managed to pull in their second goal of the game in the 37th minute off Nguyen Phuc three minutes from the end.
With the win, it allowed Chonburi to win Group A while Sanvinest took the runners-up spot and where they will play in the semi-finals in two days.
Black Steel finished third in Group A.
In the meantime, MIU FC of Myanmar battled Down Town Sport of Cambodia to win 9-3 in the second match of the day and the final tie in Group B.
Debutants Down Town were not overawed having to play against the more experienced side but in the end, MIU had just too much class as the latter stamped their authority early.
It took them just two minutes to find the back of the net with Myanmar international Pyae Phyo Maung finishing a rebound while Kyaw Kyaw Tun then doubled the lead six minutes later.
With the first half lasting close to an hour, the score stood at 5-2 to MIU’s advantage at the break with Phyo Maung completing a hat trick (8th minute second penalty and 20th minute) and Kyaw Tun (20th).
The goal scorer for Down Towns was Owolabi Fisayo Blessing who struck a double in the 17th minute of play.
The second half was MIU as they were relentless in search of goals to pile the pressure on Down Town.
And while Down Town managed to steal a third goal in the 21st minute of play through Tong Chanmony, there was no stopping MIU as Khin Zaw Linn grabbed a brace in the 26th and 35th minute and Phyo Maung (37th minute) and Aung Thu (39th) added the others for the final scoreline.
The win gave MIU the win as group winner and Down Town as runners while Melaka United finished third.
“We are well on our way to the final and we feel confident that we can make it,” said MIU team manager Zaw Thu Maung.
The semi-finals will be played on 22 June 2019 while tomorrow will see a classification match (5th and 6th placing) between Black Steel Manokwari and Melaka United.
RESULTS – 20 June 2019
PTT Chonburi Bluewave 8 Sanvinest Sanatech Khanh Hoa 2
MIU FC 9 Down Town Sport 3
FIXTURES – 21 June 2019
Terminal 21 Hall Korat
Classification match (5th and 6th Placing)
1245: Black Steel Manokwari vs Melaka United
