Both Myanmar and Indonesia enjoyed roaring starts to their AFF HDBank Futsal Championship 2017 campaign when they recorded comfortable victories at the Phu Tho Stadium here today.
In the opening match of the tournament, Myanmar raced away to a resounding 13-0 win over Brunei while Indonesia wiped out the Philippines 21-0 in the other Group A tie today. The early wins for Myanmar and Indonesia are crucial to their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals and in the process qualifying for the Asian Futsal Championship.
Myanmar did not waste time and shifted into attack mode right from the start. They forced their opponents to back track as they hunted for a way through. To Brunei’s credit, they defended well and stopped Myanmar from getting ahead too early. Despite their best efforts, Brunei could not stop their opponents and conceded the first goal in the third minute through a solid strike from Pyae Phyo Maung.
Sai Pyone Aung would extend the lead with two quick strikes in the seventh minute. By the break, Brunei were trailing by eight goals. Myanmar’s other goals were netted by Naing Ye Kyaw (27th, 29th), Aung Aung (16th, 38th), Hlaing Min tun (10th), Aung Zin Oo (20th), Kyaw Kyaw Tun (36th). After the opening goal, Phyo Maung add three more goals in the 14th, 15th and 28th minutes.
Myanmar will have a rest day tomorrow while hosts Vietnam will play their first Group A game tomorrow. Vietnam, among the favourites to advance to the semi-finals, will meet the Philippines tomorrow.
“It was a great start for the team. We played to our strength and where we maintained concentration throughout,” said Myanmar head coach Htat Myint.Â
In the second match of the day, Indonesia sent out an early warning to their opponents of the awesome firepower they possess.Â
Ardiansyah (6th, 31st, 33rd and 33rd minute) and Muhammad Subhan Faidasa (20th, 21st, 20th and 38th) led the Indonesian assault which saw them reeling in a total of eight goals.
The other goals were scored by Syauqi Saud (4th, 13th and 32nd minute), Abdul Rohman Nawawi (9th and 18th), Bambang Saptaji (10th and 37th), Aditya (21st), Johanis Dominggus (25th and 40th), Sunny Rizky (35th), Randy Satria (40th) and then an own goal from Julian Miranda (22nd).   Â
The score at the half was 7-0.
“Of course we are happy with the scoreline but there were some areas which the players know that they can improve,” said Indonesian head coach Vic Hermans.
“However, the big scoreline came at a prize with two of our players now injured (ankle problem). But we still have other players whom we can rely on for the next match.”
Â
Today’s Results
Group A
Myanmar bt Brunei 13-0
Indonesia bt Philippines 21-0
Group B
Thailand vs Laos
Malaysia vs Timor Leste
Â
Tomorrow’s Fixtures
Group A:Â Philippines vs Vietnam, Indonesia vs Brunei
Group B:Â Laos vs Malaysia, Timor Leste vs Thailand
