Brunei Darussalam national under-23 team fell to a 5-0 defeat to the Cambodia national under-23 team during their group opener in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship at the Rayong Province Stadium in Thailand yesterday.
The Cambodians took the lead through defender Sor Rotana in the fifth minute before an own goal by Young Wasps’ goalkeeper Jefri Syafiq Ishak four minutes later doubled their advantage.
Whilst opportunities were kept to a minimum, Cambodia were comfortable in possession as midfielder Sophal Dimong’s shot drifted wide.
The score remained 2-0 at the break before Rotana netted a brace in the 50th minute after heading home a pinpoint cross from defender Chea Sokmeng.
The Young Angkor Warriors nearly followed up with another goal after Ky Rina’s cross-cum-shot momentarily caused confusion to goalkeeper Jefri Syafiq Ishak, who needed to make a fingertip save.
The Brunei goalkeeper had a match to forget after putting the ball in his own net again in the 73rd minute before Pisey Ean added the gloss to the win in the 90th minute.
The Bruneians, led by newly-appointed Head Coach Atsushi Hanita, will next meet Thailand tomorrow. – Fadhil Yunus
