Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam national futsal team staged a recovery after falling behind by two goals during a 2-2 draw with Cambodia in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok yesterday.
Cambodia grabbed an early lead through Orkchan Sereyvong who finished off a move which was initiated by goalkeeper Nuon Veasna.
With Brunei forward Amirul Haziq Kamshulzaman stealing possession of a Cambodia player, an opportunity fell to Brunei defender Abdul Malik bin Yunus, but his effort rolled narrowly wide.
The Angkor Warriors doubled the lead after Khalil bin Saab scored an own goal – the fourth own goal Brunei had conceded this campaign – after a quick set-piece.
The Bruneians enjoyed more opportunities in the attacking third as forward Zairul Hazmin Saifuddin tested Nuon Veasna with a fierce drive while a snapshot from Mohd Abi Syarilizam Sabtu sailed wide.
The Wasps finally got off the score-board after nearly 99 minutes without a goal as Zairul Hazmin tapped home a clever pass from Khalil Saab.
While Haji Muhammad Abdul Azim bin Haji Zakeria charges were steadily growing into the game, their opponents wasted a host of opportunities to extend their lead.
With Brunei goalkeeper Muhammad Nabil bin Haji Maidin beaten, Cambodia forward Keo Cheatuo struck the post with the goal at the mercy after being set up by Chanmony Tong.
The Wasps came close to level the match as Abdul Malik’s shot crashed against the crossbar while Jumatatul Alehshahrezan Metali saw his shot rising wide.
Cambodia’s profligacy in front of goal came back to haunt them as Brunei found an equaliser through an own goal by Duk Sophath.
The Wasps nearly snatched a winner but Nuon came to the rescue for Cambodia after denying Khalil and Zairul Hazmin in succession.
Meanwhile, the other Group ‘A’ fixture saw Indonesia beat Malaysia 5-1 in an earlier kick-off.
Brunei will conclude their group stage campaign in the competition against Malaysia today.
