Singapore 3 - 1 Myanmar
A stunning first minute goal from Mohd Noh Alam Shah paved the way for defending champions Singapore to book their place in the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
After convincingly defeating Cambodia 5-0 in their opening game two days ago, Singapore knew that a win today would ensure their place in the last four. And with that in mind, the Lions went for the kill but they probably even surprised themselves with such an early strike. Singapore pulled away in the 16th minute through Agu Casmir before Myanmar struck back through Myo Min Tun. Agu sealed it for Singapore with a quickly taken freekick in the 74th minute which the Myanmar team protested to.
In today's match, Singapore certainly could not have asked for a better start. In their very first move up, the Lions struck gold through Mohd Noh Alam. Due to the horrendous blunder, Myanmar were forced to play catch up from then on. The rain which started 15 minutes before the game began to ease up and Singapore began to intensify their attacks. Their efforts paid off in the 16th minute when Agu doubled the score. A defender cleared a corner kick from Shi Jiayi but it landed at the feet of Agu who volleyed it home for his third goal of the tournament.
Myanmar made some moves up but they hardly caused Singapore coach Raddy Avromovic any concern. Myanmar, with their confidence boosted, began to push forward more, providing the Singapore defence with more anxious moments. Myanmar came on strong after the break and began to ush up in search of the equaliser. Their spirit and determination were remarkable and they continued to pile the pressure but the Lions were able to absorb anything that went their way.
Singapore's experience was obvious and it especially showed when they qere quick to take a freekick in the 74th minute that led to the goal. Myanmar were not happy and protested which led to goalkeeper Aung Aung Oo being given the red card. Worse still for Myanmar was when Myat Min had to be sacrficed to bring in reserve keeper Kyaw Zin Htet. Play was held up for about eight minutes. Myanmar eventually continued with the match which ended in a 3-1 win for the Lions.
Cambodia 0 - 4 Indonesia
Striker Budi Sudarsono blasted a hatrick against Cambodia tonight at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium to sensationally send hosts Indonesia into the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
Indonesia's second straight win today, a convincing 4-0 victory over Cambodia, has set the stage for a thrilling battle against defending champions Singapore to determine the Group A champion. Despite winning tonight, Indonesia are second in the group behind Singapore on an inferior goal difference.
In today's match, Indonesia, who had expected Cambodia to play defensively, were caught off when their opponents launched into attack. Budi, who had scored once in Indonesia's 3-0 win over Myanmar two days ago, opened the scoring act with a superb strike in the 16th minute. But if Indonesia thought that first goal would open the floodgates, they were absolutely wrong. Cambodia, led by up and coming striker Khim Borey and partner upfront Chan Rithy, tried to make their way back into the game. The speedy Khim managed to break through on several occassions but could not get his shots on the mark.
Indonesia continued to pressure after the break, in fact, Budi and Bambang were all over the place and kept the defenders busy. The Cambodians could only defend so long and finally broke for the second time in the 55th minute. A fine cross from Ponaryo Astaman found the Budi who headed Indonesia further ahead. Budi was not done yet and completed a hattrick, the first of the tournament, in the 70th minute, once again a header that sailed beyond the reaches of keeper Samreth Seiha. Bambang made it a superb night for the 30,000 fans when he crashed home a cross from Firman Utina in the 76th minute.
Next fixtures;
8/12/08 - Group B
17:00 : Malaysia v Vietnam
19.30 : Laos v Thailand
9/12/08 - Group A
17:00 : Indonesia v Singapore
19:30 : Myanmar v Cambodia
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