Brunei Ready For AFC Test
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam will face their toughest test yet in their quest for the AFC Challenge Cup 2006 title when they face Sri Lanka on April 2 in the first round of the championship at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Brunei Darussalam are represented by almost the entire QAF FC team, the B-League Premier One champions, and only one player from AH United for the inaugural meet from April 1-16.

According to coach Mohd Ali Hj Mustafa, he is still assessing the Sri Lanka team and is not sure how good they are.

However, Brunei will give their best and win the vital opening match before taking on Nepal on April 4 and Bhutan the next two days.

Mohd Ali Hj Mustafa said that he was satisfied with the team's progress especially after a tight intensive training schedule.

He also added he was proud that QAF FC had been chosen to represent Brunei Darussalam in an international football tournament and will try their best to bring glory to the sultanate.

The championship will see 16 countries competing in AFC's latest portfolio of prestigious competitions dedicated to national teams of Asian emerging countries.

Brunei Darussalam are in Group B together with Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan while in Group A are Afghanistan, Taiwan, India and the Philippines.

Host nation Bangladesh are in Group C alongside Cambodia, Guam and Palestine while Kyrgyzstan, Macau,

Pakistan and Tajikistan are in Group D. Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinal stage which is scheduled to start from April 8-9.

The semifinals will take place from April 12-13 and the final on April 16.

Representing Brunei Darussalam are (from QAF FC) Azman Ilham Hj Mohd Noor, Christoper Ak Ambon, Shahbri Jalil, Azman Muhd Salleh, Adie Arsham Md Sailah, Ratano Hj Tuah, Yunus Lupat, Ak Md Kamarul Ariffin Pg Ramlee, Md Safari Wahit, Mardi Ak Bujang, Muhd Hardyman Abd Lamit, Hardi Ak Bujang, Muhd Sabri Md Bujang, Muhd Sabri Md Alimin, Muhd Shashan Mumtazali, Philip Ak Ahar, Mohammad Fadzry Hj Ibrahim, Ak Kamarulzaman Pg Kamaludin, Riwandi Wahit, Mohamad Hanafizal Helman Hanafiah and Pg Sallehuddin Pg Hj Damit from AH United.

The manager of the team is Rahim Hj Daud. The Brunei team left for Dhaka yesterday. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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