| Fadhil Yunus |
SHAH United ended their campaign in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Club Championship without a victory to their name after a 10-2 mauling by Thailand’s Thai Port at the Bangkok Arena in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.
The Brunei-based outfit lost all three games in Group ‘A’ during their debut in the regional competition including an 8-1 loss to Pyay United in the opening game and a 6-3 defeat to Permata Indah Manokwari in the penultimate game.
However, the tournament debutants can take some consolation with the fact that they have scored more goals than their group opponents against the reigning holders with two while Permata could only manage once and none for Pyay United.
Shah United’s conquerors will play Melaka United while second-placed Permata who beat Pyay United 9-4 to clinch the other qualifying berth will meet Group ‘B’ winners Sanna Khanh Hoa in the semi-finals.
Malaysian club Melaka began their final group match outside the qualifying places knowing they would go through with victory over already eliminated Vientiane United provided if a winner was confirmed in the other game.
Shah United and Thai Port team captains in a group photo during a Group ‘A’ encounter. – ASEAN FOOTBALL
A draw would have been enough for both Sanna and East Coast Heat to progress but a 6-2 win for the former confirmed their place and ensured Melaka overtook the Australian club for the last slot.
Shah United have scored six goals which was largely contributed by the Indonesian imports Anton Cahyo Nugroho and Denis Guna Bawana but shipped 24 goals in the competition.
The club’s marquee signing Anton Cahyo Nugroho became the first goal-scorer for Shah United in a regional competition and led the club’s scoring charts in the competition with three goals with compatriot Denis notching a goal prior to the final match.
Thai Port are gunning for a historic third title having won the competition twice in 2015 and 2016 while the trio of clubs from Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia will be looking to become the first winner from their country to win the region’s biggest futsal prize.
The post Shah United end AFF campaign without win appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.