Laos Defeat Myanmar 2-1
By Alex How

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei is facing a tougher task now to qualify for the semifinal after Laos defeated Myanmar 2-1 in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for Under-21 Asean Youth Football Championship 2005 at the Belapan field yesterday.

Laos, knowing that they still had a chance to qualify for the semi final spot, played aggressively from the beginning.

Laos's Kaysone Soukhavong and Bounphone Khensisana were constant threats to Myanmar down the wire. Kaysone Soukhavong came close to take the lead when he skipped past a defender but saw his shot hitting high over the bar.

Myanmar, certain of the semifinal place, had a major shuffle in the starting line-up against Laos, filling in seven substitute players. Myanmar played three strikers Sun Day Thien, Mar La and Kyam Thu Ra in the attack.

Myanmar's coach decision to put three strikers upfront paid off in the 23rd minute.

Mar La played in a powerful cross from the left but Laos's keeper Vongsakda Sian Phongsay parried it away and fell straight towards Sun Day Thien, who simply tapped in the open goal and made it 1-0.

Laos' Sounthalay Xaysongkham replied constantly with an equalising goal three minutes later. He made an impressive run from the midfield and blasted in the goal for Laos.

Visay Phaphourvanin's took the lead for Laos in the 5511 minute after the Myanmar's keeper Phyoe Min Maung spilled it out towards him. Laos went on to win 2-1.

Myanmar now top the group with six points and an 11-goal difference after three games Laos have six points with a one-goal difference.

The win for Laos means Brunei need not only have to win against Singapore in the next game, but also need to score a handful of goals against them. Brunei bagged three points in their 1-0 game against Laos, but suffered a 0-6 loss to Myanmar. Brunei will need to score at least six goals against Singapore.

After the match, Laos's coach Saysana Savatdy commented he was happy with the result, and praised the fighting spirit of the team.

He added they had made a couple of changes approaching the game, and it paid off handsomely.

Now they hope that they will qualify for the semifinal match.

Myanmar's coach Ivan Venkov Kolev said that despite having putting the substitute players to play; he was hoping something more from them.

The Bulgarian coach added the intention was to win the game and also the semifinal match. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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