Winning Start By Brunei In AFF Championship
By Dannie Abu Basrah

Bandar Seri Begawan - Two goals from Adie Arsham Md Salleh and one from Mardi Bujang gave Brunei a dream start in the qualifying round of the 2006 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship - a 3-2 win over Timor Leste in a tough encounter.

Hosts the Philippines meanwhile were at the receiving end of a shocking result in the curtain raiser, stunned 2-1 by Laos. The Pinoys conceded two goals in the space of a minute before Christopher Greatwich pulled one back, which unfortunately proved to be too little, too late.

Brunei skipper Riwandi Wahit provided the first chance of the game, reaching on to a well'-delivered cross but could only head the ball high over the bar. It was anybody's game in the early stages of the game, but Timor Leste were running the midfield with their aggressive play.

It was Brunei though who drew first blood in the 11th minute, unmarked Adie Arsham tapping in from three metres off a Riwandi Wahit pass. Brunei were nearly caught off guard with their celebration, Timor Leste almost hitting back immediately but Emilio Ribeiro fired his shot inches high over the Brunei goal.

But Brunei settled down after that, and tested the Timor Leste goalie on several occasions, with Ak Mohd Kamarul Ariffin's freekick coming closest to doubling their lead.

Brunei were made to pay for failing to convert their chances after Adelio Maria Da Costa levelled the score with a delicate chip over Brunei custodian Md Sahan Mumtaz Ali in the 32nd minute. Brunei had a stroke of good fortune six minutes later when Timor Leste were reduced to 10 men, Eduardo Pereira shown a straight red for a harsh tackle on Hardi Buj ang.

However, even with the numerical advantage, Brunei were made to work hard by their opponents who put up a highly spirited performance.

Brunei took the lead once again in the 67th minute, Mardi heading home the - rebound after the Hardyman Abd Lamit thunderous strike could only be parried away by the Timor. Leste goalie. Five minutes later, Adie Arsham gave Brunei a 2-goals cushion with his second of the night, shrugging off two defenders and planting the ball into the far corner.

Timor Leste pushed forward in numbers after the goal, but could only reduce the deficit, thanks to a goal by Ad-Bin Atanacio Belo.

It was a very nervy last 15 minutes for Brunei as they defended against a determined Timor Leste onslaught, but they hanged on for the win and more importantly, the three points to kick off their campaign in style.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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