VIENTIANE – Philippines striker Mathew Custodio blasted two goals in ten minutes to secure a 2-1 win over Brunei in the opening match of the AFF Under-19 Championship at the National Sports Complex Stadium here today. Mathew combined superbly with Mark Anthony Winhoffer who helped set-up both goals in this Group A tie this evening. The duo in fact, could have scored a few more had it not been for the solid defence mounted by Muhammad Hanif Hamir.
Brunei, who had several misses in the first half, finally broke through in the 55th minute when Muhammad Abdul Mateen Said slipped through to reduce the deficit. The game was back on again as Brunei threw everything they could into hitting the equaliser.
In the first half today, the Philippines took their chances well and slotted in two goals within a space of ten minutes. Mathew, who earlier missed cracking open the Brunei goal in the 17th minute, connected a deep cross from Mark Anthony in the 32nd minute. Brunei’s last man Muhammad Hanif and goalkeeper Muhammad Ishyra Asmian tried but were unable to clear the cross.
In the 42nd minute, Mark Anthony weaved his way down the centre and set-up Mathew on the right. The striker blasted his shot through to double the score. Two minutes earlier, Mathew was booked for a tackle on defender Md Haziq Kasyful Azim.
Mathew had one final fling at completing a sensational hattrick but his cracker swerved right.
