AFF Cup: Laos stun Thailand, Indonesia crush Malaysia

December 02, 2010 | 17:30

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Underdogs Laos shocked ASEAN powerhouse Thailand, the region’s three-time champions, with a 2-2 draw in the regional 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup’s opener in Indonesia on Wednesday before the hosts thrashed Malaysia 5-1.

Indonesian goalkeeper (L) blocks the ball as Malaysian Mohamad Safee (R) attempts to score during their Group A match in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 in Jakarta on December 1, 2010. AFP

The ASEAN football championships kicked off Wednesday in Jakarta with the two Group A games, which saw 10 goals in the first match day.

The Thais under high-profiled Englishman Bryan Robson failed to open the fire in the first half though they dominated ball possession, and a finish by veteran midfielder captain Therdsak Chaiman hit the right goal post in a clear chance.

After the break, the Lao side surprisingly took the lead with a header Inthammavong in a 53rd minute attack.

Experienced striker Sarayoot Chaikamdee managed to equalize for the Thais more than 10 minutes later.

The chase of goal continued as Laos advanced again with an unstoppable shoot by striker Sysomvang in the 82nd minute.

Sarayoot Chaikamdee became a hero again as he equalized in the injury time to save three-time champions Thailand.

Meanwhile, high ambitious hosts Indonesia beat their neighbors Malaysia 5-1 in the later game where they conceded the first goal in the 18th minute. The second goal of the game also came from a Malaysian player – an own goal by a defender that equalized for the hosts.

Uruguay-born striker Gonzalez pushed the hosts ahead with a perfect shoot from the edge of the penalty box in the 33rd minute.

The naturalized striker’s goal made the game much easier for his side. They scored three more goals after a break, including one in the injury time, to complete their five-star victory.

In Group B staged in Vietnam’s Hanoi, the opener Friday will see three-time champions Singapore vs. the Philippines at 5 pm, followed by titleholders Vietnam’s game against Myanmar at 7:30 pm.

AFP

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