AFF U19: Malaysia, Timor Leste claim first wins

Malaysia, finalists the last time around, enjoyed a winning start in this year’s AFF Under-19 Championship here, after defeating Cambodia 2-0 at the Joko Samudro Stadium today. Later in the evening, Timor Leste bagged their first win when they edged Brunei 1-0 and moved to the top of the group.

The Malaysians, who lost to Thailand in the final last year, had to work overtime to find their way past their opponents and eventually broke through once in each half to pick up full points in this Group B encounter. The goals came from Shivan Pillay Asokan and Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid.

In the first half today, there was really little goal-mouth action. Both sides worked their way up but without any success. Finally, in the 39^th minute, Malaysia were awarded a freekick at the top of the box when Cambodian defender Tes Sambath brought down Nik Akif Syahiran. The freekick from Nik Akif slammed into the post and bounced back into play. Shivan Pillay Asokan jumped in and headed Malaysia ahead.

Two minutes before the break, skipper Muhammad Syaiful’s cracker from the right came off the post but was quickly snatched up by keeper Hul Kimhuy.

The two sides continued to battle on with Malaysia doing most of the attacking and the tight Cambodian defence, with centreback Soeuth Nawa and keeper Hul Kimhuy, combining well to keep their goal intact.

Tomorrow will be an important day for the teams jostling for positions in Group A. Hosts Indonesia, reigning champs Thailand and Vietnam will all be out for full points to enhance their standing in the group and improve their chances of making the cut. Indonesia, which have already won their first two matches, will be aiming to make three in-a-row tomorrow.

Malaysian coach Bojan Hodak commented that finishing was a problem today but he expects things to improve in the coming game. “We had three or four chances with some hitting the post, there were also two one-on-ones. I’m sure next match will be better.”

Cambodia coach, Musashi Mizushima, admitted that his team had problems breaking through the Malaysian defence. “We also have several players who have injuries from the first game (against Brunei). We hope to improve for the next match.”

In another Group B game held later in the evening at the same venue, Timor Leste, which had shared points with Myanmar in their opening match two days ago, blasted the solitary goal in the dying moment of the first half. Paulo Da Costa Freitas sneaked in a goal to hand his side a slender lead at the break. As it turned out later, that would be the only goal of the match.

Throughout the game, the players from both sides of the divide worked hard in their search for goals. Timor Leste had a larger portion of possession and attempts but were unable to make much headway in the face of the resilient Brunei defence.

With the win today, Timor Leste are now top of Group B with four points while Malaysia are second with three points. Myanmar have one point from the draw against Timor Leste while Brunei have lost both their matches thus far. The next Group B matches will be held on Friday with Malaysia taking Brunei while Myanmar face Cambodia.

Tomorrow will see the battle in Group A resuming with hosts Indonesia aiming for their third win in a row against the Philippines. Indonesia must win to remain on track to make the semis. Thailand, the defending champions, will clash with Singapore while Vietnam battle Laos. 

RESULTS 

FIXTURES (remaining group stage matches)

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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