AFF U19: Indonesia at the top, first wins for Thailand, Vietnam

Hosts Indonesia stormed to the top of the standings after claiming their second straight victory, this time over Singapore, in the AFF Under-19 Championship at the Gelora Delta Stadium tonight. Also, in winning mode today were defending champs Thailand and Vietnam.

Indonesia, which defeated Laos 1-0 two days ago, secured their leading position in Group A with a solid 4-0 win in front of over 15,000 delighted fans. The back-to-back wins have sparked hopes of a repeat of Indonesia’s historic victory here in the same tournament in 2013.

Thailand and Vietnam, which shared points in their opening game, earned full marks for the first time after comfortable results over Laos and Philippines. The Thais triumphed 3-0 while the Vietnamese enjoyed a stunning 5-0 win today.

Tonight, the Indonesian players had a somewhat sputtering start in the first half where they managed one goal, a lovely header from striker Muhammad Rafli Mursalim in the 21^st minute. Indonesia squandered many chances in the first half, but that changed after the break.

The home side came alive and helped themselves to three more goals to give their loyal fans much to cheer about. Rafli doubled his tally in the 61^st minute while Saddil Ramdani and Todd Ferre were on target in the 70^th and 80^th minutes.

Indonesian coach, Indra Sjafri said: “Our game is evolving and we have improved from our last game. I think the influence of the World Cup where teams are playing defensively has affected some here, but not us. We went out to win, I think it’s a good result. We will do much better in the next game.”

In an early match at the Gelora Delta Stadium, Vietnam came alive in the second half to defeat the Philippines 5-0. 

Vietnam snatched the lead in 29^th minute through Le Van Nam. The goal came not long after the Philippines blew away a penalty awarded to them in the 21^st minute when Pham Van Nam brought down P19. Chester Angeles’ left-footed strike was saved by goalkeeper Y E Li Ni E.

In the last few minutes of the first half, Le Xuan Tu and Nham Manh Dung both missed chances to increase the scoreline before the break. The second half saw the Vietnamese players combining better and completely taking charge. They added four more goals from Le Van Nam (50^th), Le Minh Binh (54^th, 85^th) and Nguyen Huu Thang (71^st).

For the Philippines it was their first loss after earlier edging Singapore 2-1 in the opening match two days ago.

At the Joko Samudro Stadium, in another Group A match being played out at the same time, Thailand picked up their first victory after defeating 10-man Laos 3-0. The Thais, who shared points with Vietnam in their opening game two days ago, led by two goals in the first half. Thailand’s goals were netted by Suphanat Mueanta (16^th), Matee Sarakum (34^th) and Korawich Tosa (87^th).

Laos suffered a setback when Laos player, Bounphachan Bounkong was sent off in the 70^th minute after a second yellow card. His first booking was in the 59^th minute.

Tomorrow, two Group A matches will take place with Cambodia facing Malaysia while Brunei battles Timor Leste at the Joko Samudro Stadium.

RESULTS 

FIXTURES (remaining group stage matches)

July 4 – Group B: Cambodia vs Malaysia, Brunei vs Timor Leste

July 5 – Group A: Laos vs Vietnam, Philippines vs Indonesia, Thailand vs Singapore

July 6 – Group B: Malaysia vs Brunei, Myanmar vs Cambodia

July 7 – Group A: Singapore vs Laos, Philippines vs Thailand, Indonesia vs Vietnam

July 8 – Group B: Myanmar vs Brunei, Timor Leste vs Malaysia

July 9 – Group A: Laos vs Philippines, Vietnam vs Singapore, Thailand vs Indonesia 

July 10 – Group B: Cambodia vs Timor Leste, Malaysia vs Myanmar

For the complete fixtures, go to http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/aff-u19-championship-2018/#1526567058939-ef16c19b-91be

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