AFF U15 BOYS: Malaysia beat Cambodia to hang to top spot

Malaysia remained top of Group B after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Cambodia on the fourth day of the AFF Under-15 Championship here. But hot on their heels are hosts Thailand and Australia, both of whom also won their respective matches at the Institute of Physical Education today.

The Malaysians, 8-0 winners against Brunei two days ago, were unable to make much headway in the first half. But a four-minute blitz just past the hour mark ensured their victory and more importantly their position in the standings.

While Malaysia had to slog against Cambodia, the Thais needed just three minutes to get their scoring machine going. And by the end of the first half, they were five-goals up and trooped off with a 7-1 win, propped up by a hattrick from Minhart Kadeeroj. This was Thailand’s second win of the tournament after edging Laos, and thanks to their margin of victory, have moved up into second position.

The Australians are third in the group with six points after securing a 3-0 win over Laos this afternoon.  Despite fielding their reserves, which the coach had said was to give another 11 players a chance to represent their country, did well to collect three points. They sputtered at the start but began to function better in the second half, especially after several substitutions.

After two matches completed and three more to go, the battle for the semi-finals will begin to intensify as teams scramble for the two precious slots from each group. The teams in Group A will be playing their third matches tomorrow with a top of the table clash between Timor Leste and neighbours Indonesia. Singapore will face Vietnam while the Philippines will battle Myanmar.

Laos vs Australia

The entire Australian team that started against Cambodia were on the bench when the game against Laos kicked-off today. The fresh line-up took some time to get going and eventually moved ahead in the 33^rd minute. Kane Gibbs floated in a freekick into the six-yard zone for Alexander Menelaou to connect into goal.

Just prior to that midfielder Phoutthavong Sangvilay shot through the left but his cracker was well saved by Ethan Cox. Laos had their best chance of the half in the 36^th minute when Xokthavy Denchampa’s cross found Peeter Phanthavong who surged forward and let loose a shot that to his dismay came off the keeper.

As the game progressed, and with no more goals coming through, Australia made some changes, among others bringing in midfielder Bernardo Oliveira just past the hour mark and striker Daniel Helweh six minutes later. Soon after, in the 75^th minute, Oliveira accurately placed his shot just beyond the fingertips of Kop Lokphathip and the inside of the far post. Australia then settled the score through Adrian Segecic a minute into added time.   

Laos coach, Selvarajah Vengadasalam his team started well but lost their concentration later on. “I thought the first half was very good, we kept them at bay. Then, we gave a way a freekick and they capitalised on it. Young boys make mistakes like this. In the first 15 minutes it was good, we pushed up and pressed them and created some chances. But then we lost concentration at the back, they were so excited moving forward and left holes behind. They have to be stronger. I only had three weeks to work with them, there is still a lot to do.”

Australian coach Trevor Morgan explained his team needed some time to get into the game but eventually took charge to win. “Again, we enjoyed the match, we’ve given another eleven players an opportunity to play for their country, and it’s a great experience for us. The conditions were difficult again, it took us a while to establish ourselves in the match but eventually we controlled the game and some substitutes made the difference and we are very happy with the result.”

Malaysia vs Cambodia

The Malaysians, who had enjoyed the biggest win of the tournament thus far when they defeated Brunei 8-0 two days ago, could not find a way through in the first half as the gritty Cambodians battled hard to stop their opponents.

After 24 minutes, the Malaysians had an opportunity when they were awarded a freekick. Mohammad Ashraf Ahmad sent his shot over to the far post but Muhammad Harry Danish’s connection went over the bar. In the final minutes of the half, Cambodia missed out as Heng Suvanpanha’s freekick went astray.

The Malaysians had a better run in the second half, scoring twice to ensure full points. Muhammad Izrin Ibrahim brought relief to the Malaysian bench in the 63^rd minute while Muhammad Aliff Izwan Yuslan made it comfortable for them in the 66^th minute.

Malaysian coach P. Maniam was happy with the result and added that there was still room for improvement. “In today’s game, we created a lot of chances to score, unfortunately, the finishing was not there. But overall, I’m very happy with the players’ performance. In the second half within 20 minutes we scored, but still need to improve.

Maniam said his boys would be up against a physically stronger opponent but they were ready to compete against the Aussies. “Australia is a strong team, physically good, and tall players. Our players are very confident, and they are looking forward to play Australia. I hope the players will maintain their winning momentum.”

Cambodia coach, Inoue Kazunori commented that his team spent much of the game in defensive mode. “We defended a lot and our players were tired, they can’t play so often at this level. But I was satisfied with their performance.” He added that the team would have a recovery session tomorrow ahead of their next match against Thailand on Thursday. “That will be a tough game.”

Thailand vs Brunei

It took only three minutes for the Thais to celebrate. Off a corner kick from midfielder Sittha Booniha, striker Minhart Kadeeroj rushed in and headed in the first goal of the game. The Brunei players knew it was going to be tough but they threw everything they had into putting the brakes on the hosts.

The Thais, however, were on a mission and continued their hunt for more goals, which could make the difference in the standings later on in the tournament. And it certainly did not take very long as Wongwat Jaroentaveesuk doubled the score nine minutes later. Anucha Somonwat found the back of the net with a long range shot before skipper Theekawin Chansri eased in the fourth.

He nodded into an open goal after Brunei keeper Md Azali Waliuddin Haji Azrini’s fine save inadvertently landed in Theekawin’s path. The Thais made it 5-0 just before the break after Kakana Khamyok, who had scored twice in their opening game against Laos, sent his shot into the far corner. Minhart completed a hattrick when he was on target in the 50^th and 80^th minutes.

Brunei coach Mohammad Ikhmarol Izzat said it was an improved performance today. “The boys were better in the second half where we conceded only two goals. This was good exposure for them, it’s good to see that they played better compared to the first game against Malaysia.”

Thailand head coach Salvador Valero Garcia decided to rest some key players today. “After starting with a difficult win against Laos, we rotated our players to give a rest to some key players, and at halftime at 5-1, we rested a few more players. Overall, I’m happy with the performance and the rotation of the players.”

Garcia’s immediate plan now is to work on his players recovery and get them ready for the crucial tie against Cambodia. “We know they will be a defensive team, similar to Laos. So, we have to play similar game. We will work on their recovery and try to put in the best first eleven because we know it will be difficult against such defensive teams.”

RESULTS AND FIXTURES

Venue: Institute of Physical Education (IPE)

TODAY’S MATCHES

Group B

Australia bt Laos 3-0

Malaysia bt Cambodia 2-0

Thailand bt Brunei 7-1

TOMORROW’S MATCHES

Group A

1500hrs: Indonesia vs Timor Leste

1530hrs: Singapore vs Vietnam

1800hrs: Philippines vs Myanmar

THE STANDINGS

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