27 February 2012

Gone in 3 minutes: Laos bully Azkals

Ak Fauzi Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, February 27, 2012

THREE goals in three minutes helped Laos hand the Philippines their second defeat in as many games in this year's edition of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night.

Sithideth Khantahavong, Soukaphone Vongchiengkham and Keoviengpheth Lithideth were all on the scoresheet as Laos defeated the Azkals 3-1 at the Balapan Track & Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

The Philippines, who are now bottom of Group A, were thrashed 8-2 by Myanmar on Friday.

Yesterday's victory puts Laos third of the five-team group.

Both teams started slowly producing no real chances in the first 15 minutes of the game.

The first real chance of the first half fell to the Philippines when midfielder Marvin Janver Malinay Angeles dribbled past three Laos' defenders in the 17th minute on the left side of the box, but only to see his cross blocked by a defender.

Laos captain Lamnao Singto then played a great through ball to Sithideth, who made a very good run behind the Philippines' backline and calmly slotted the ball past Paulo Pascual to give Laos 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

A minute later the Philippine defenders made another mistake allowing Soukaphone to make it 2-0.

The third goal saw Soukaphone Vongchiengkham set up Keoviengpheth for an easy tap in the 25th minute.

Angelo Verheye Marasigan then reduced the deficit in the 41st minute netting in the 41st minute for the Azkals.

The Philippines played better and faster football in the second half. They also moved the ball well, but failed to convert the chances.

Laos had a chance to extend their lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute but defender Ketsada Souksavanh saw his spotkick sail over the bar.

"I am not really happy with the performance of the players tonight (Sunday night), they missed so many chances, we also missed a penalty. I am not happy," said Bounlap Khenkitisack, the Laos manager, at a Press conference.

"In the next game we will play Singapore, we do not have the time to watch Singapore play as their game against Indonesia was played at the same time as ours.

"But, I think it is going to be a 50-50 match," he added.The Brunei Times

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