| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Darussalam endured a crushing 17-2 defeat to title favourites Thailand which brought down the curtains to their involvement in this year’s Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship 2016 at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok last night.
Even though Thailand were poised to qualify from Group ‘A’ after boasting a healthy goal difference, Brunei came into the match still with a shout of progressing through the semi-finals needing victory despite their odds heavily stacked against them.
However, the quality of the opposition and the gulf in class between the two sides was evident proven by a series of results in the countries’ head-to-head though Brunei minimised damage in an 8-1 loss four years ago.
Thailand put their noses in front following Tairong Petchtiam’s effort in the 3rd minute before Jirawat Sornwichian doubled the lead a minute later.
Sorasak Phoonjungreed put his name in the score-sheet in the 5th minute before Peerapol Satsue made it 4-0 for the Small Table a minute later.
Brunei (Right) and Thailand players in action during an AFF Futsal Championship group match.
The Wasps pulled one back in the 8th minute through team captain Maziri bin Maidin, his second goal in the tournament.
Tairong grabbed his second of the night while Abdul Azim’s second goal for his side in the 14th minute proved to be their last in the tournament.
Kritsada Wongkaeo joined in the act in the 15th minute while defender Panya Aranpoowanart found the target in the 28th minute.
Thai-Ghanaian futsal attacker Muhammad Osamanmusa and Panat Kittipanuwong, both making their tournament debut, contributed with four goals each.
The teenage pair was responsible in seven of the 10 second half goals in addition to a double from Sorasak en route to completing his hat-trick.
The hosts advanced to the semi-finals as winners of Group ‘A’ while Timor Leste retained their runners-up spot.
Timor Leste will play Group ‘B’ winners Myanmar while Thailand will meet Malaysia, who were edged out of top spot as a result of a 5-3 loss in a winner takes all tie also last night.
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