Defending champions Thaiport FC claimed a hard-earned 4-0 win over Vietnamese outfit, Thai Son Nam FC, on the second day of the AFF Futsal Club Championship curently taking place at the Futsal Indoor Stadium here today.
Victory was sweet for the Thais in the face of a massive challenge from their opponents. It was an absorbing action-packed match which Thai Son Nam simply failed to score despite the numerous chances they had.
Thaiport on the other hand, made good use of their opportunities and walked away the deserving winners. They lost one of their star players, Marcos De Mendoca, for picking up a second booking in the 25th minute, but that did not slow them down in any way.
Thaiport, who were playing their first game of the tournament today, surged ahead in the sixth minute when Watchara Laisri’s freekick crashed into the far corner.
A minute from the break, Marcos worked his way forward and set-up Thananchai Chomboon a few metres from the goal. Thananchai had his back to the goal but he managed to turn and smack his shot in. Then, Thaiport lost Marcus after he brought down Yunusov Artur and despite being down a player, they managed to hold back their opponents from taking advantage and scoring.
Thai Son Nam had more chances after the break, including two shots which came off the post. But as they chased the goals, they left themselves open behind which Thaiport fully exploited through Rattikun Plonghirun and Pornmongkol Srisubseang in the 36th and 37th minutes.
Despite their loss, Thai Son Nam FC are still in the running for a place in the final thanks to their 14-4 victory over Lanexang United FC yesterday.
In the second men’s match tonight, Myanmar Imperial College (MIC) FC moved to the top of the standings after producing a sizzling 9-5 win over Lanexang United FC.
MIC FC, who had drawn their opening game yesterday, now have four points. Thaiport FC and Thai Son Nam are second with three points each.
MIC FC scored what was probably the fastest goal of the tournament when a lovely 1-2 exchange between Tin Win Ko Ko and Aung Aung saw the latter striking the ball in after only 20 seconds.
Lanexang United equalised in the fifth minute when Yuki Kobari drilled in a pass from Khampha Phiphakkhavong. MIC FC went on to add two more goals in the seventh and 14th minutes courtesy of Kaung Chit Thu and Aung Aung. Just before the break, Lanexang reduced the deficit with a cheeky flick from Aouk Aphone Vongchengkham to put the score at 3-2 at halftime.
MIC FC had a scare when Lanexang took the lead early in the second half but the local team bounced back and ended up reeling in six more goals. Lanexang played well but faltered towards the end.
Women’s Category
In the first match of the day, defending women’s champions, Thai Son Nam District 8 FC snatched a narrow 2-1 lead going into the break. Thai Thi Thao gave her team the lead by turning in a low cross from Vo Thi Ngan Giang.
They doubled the lead in the sixth minute through Nguyen Thi Thanh but in the 17th minute, Jaya Kencana Angels pulled one back through Rani Mulyasari. After the break, Thi Ngan Giang netted her second goal in the 29th minute. Despite numerous attempts, the Vietnam side were unable to break through again and the score was settled at 3-1.
In the second women’s preliminary round match this evening, home side Women’s FC came from behind to share points with Thailand’s Bangkok FC.
Thai Son Nam, although only playing one match, are top of the group on a better goal difference. Indonesia’s Jaya Kencana Angels who lost to Thai Son Nam today, are second with three points, thanks to their opening day win over WFC.
TODAY’S RESULTS
MEN
Thaiport FC (Tha) bt Thai Son Nam FC (Vie) 4-0
MIC FC (Mya) bt Lanexang United FC (Lao) 9-5
WOMEN
Thai Son Nam District 8 FC (Vie) bt Jaya Kencana Angels (Ina) 3-1
W FC (Mya) drew with Bangkok FC (Tha) 1-1
TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (Tuesday)
MEN
Thaiport FC vs Lanexang United FC
Black Steel vs Thai Son Nam FC
WOMEN
Thai Son Nam District 8 FC vs W FC
Khon Kaen FC vs Jaya Kencana Angels
