AFF U19: Two early strikes lift Malaysia to top of group

Malaysia, runners-up in last year’s tournament, edged closer to a semi-final berth after defeating Brunei 2-0 in a Group B match of the AFF Under-19 Championship at the Joko Samudro Stadium this afternoon. This was Malaysia’s second consecutive victory, after overcoming Cambodia two days ago, and has propelled them to the top of the standings.

In the second Group B match later this evening, Myanmar remained well on track for a semi-final slot after defeating Cambodia 4-1 tonight. After today’s results, Malaysia, which defeated Cambodia 2-0 earlier, top the group with a maximum of six points from two games followed by Myanmar and Timor Leste with four points each. Myanmar have a better goal difference and may have the edge in making the cut as they head into their last two group matches.

Earlier this afternoon, the Malaysians scored two early goals in the first half, within a space of just seven minutes, to seal the win. After Muhammad Syahmi Zamri connected a cross in for the opening goal five minutes into the game, Muhammad Nizaruddin doubled the score in the 12^th minute when he blasted from close range.

The two quick goals clearly eased the pressure on the Malaysians who controlled much of the opening half. The Malaysians pushed hard for more but they never came, as the Brunei players worked well to stop any more attempts. The Brunei players created some chances for themselves but were simply unable to get their shots through.

Malaysian coach Bojan Hodak said he was happy with the result. “We some changes, I gave a chance to some players who normally never have a chance to play 90 minutes. Overall, it was important that we got three points.”

Brunei’s coach Takao Fujiawara admitted that it was a difficult game. “Malaysia is a strong side. But I told the boys they must the courage to face big teams and give them a good fight. This was a good experience for the boys.” 

Malaysia have two more games against Timor Leste (on July 8) and Myanmar (July 10) to try and secure their place in the next stage of the regional competition. For the record, Malaysia lost to Thailand in last year’s final. 

In the evening match, Myanmar should have had a great start, however, Tay Zaw Lin failed to convert the penalty after Ye Yint Aung was brought down in the sixth minute. Zaw Lin blasted left but goalkeeper Hul Kimhuy blocked the attempt.

In the 16^th minute, Kheang Menghour broke through the defence but was unable to make it past goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung who threw himself at the ball. Soe Moe Kyaw’s powerful header rocked the crossbar in the 20^th minute but that miss was soon forgotten when Win Naing Tun slipped past his markers, rounded the keeper and tapped Myanmar ahead in the 23^rd minute.

Myanmar and Cambodia battled furiously, with tempers flaring up at times. In the end, Myanmar picked up three goals through Win Naing Tun (52^nd), Myat Kaung Khant (74^th, 88^th). Cambodia were briefly back in the game when Nop David blasted from a massive shot that slammed into the goal.

Tomorrow will be a crucial day for Group A which has three teams – Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam battling for the two semi-final slots. The focus will be on two matches – Philippines vs Thailand and Indonesia vs Vietnam. Only full points can help assure them a place in the last four.

 The other group match of the day tomorrow between Singapore and Laos but it will not impact the positions of the leading three sides here. Indonesia top the Group A standings with a maximum nine points while Thailand and Vietnam have seven points each. Thailand are second on better goal difference. 

RESULTS 

FIXTURES (remaining group stage matches)

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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