| Fadhil Yunus |
LAO PDR have enhanced their chances of making it to the last four of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Tournament 2018 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Cambodia in Group ‘B’ at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.
Cambodia looked to be the happier of the two sides with the score 1-1 till Phitthack Kongmathilath popped up with the winner in injury time to spark jubilant scenes in what was a second consecutive night filled with dramatic scenes.
Lao PDR fired an early warning with less than a minute elapsed after midfielder Bounphachan Bounkong struck a decent attempt which Cambodia goalkeeper Keo Soksela turned away for a corner.
Cambodia also fashioned a good chance after Mat Noron connected a cross from a team-mate but contrived to hit it wide.
Cambodia took the lead and it all started from good decision-making from In Dosavid who picked a secondary pass to Sath Rosib on the left flank.
The midfielder produced a teasing ball into the box and after Sos Suhana initially miscued his effort but fortunately he had an opportunity to bury his shot into the gaping net.
Laos nearly provided a swift response after Somxay Keohanam leapt to head a cross from Phithack Kongmathilath but Soksela was on hand to push the ball away.
The young Thim Xad came close in pulling level after Piyaphong Pathammavong directed his header wide.
On the other end, Suhana darted his way into the box and his shot was deflected off for a corner by a Lao defender.
With the hopes of doubling his team’s lead, Cambodia defender Soeuy Visal attempted a header but it bounced off wide.
The young Angkor Warriors made their first change before half-an-hour mark by withdrawing Sin Kakada and replacing him with Khuon Laboravy.
Cambodia pair Mat Noron and Sos Suhana proved to be a threat for the Laotian defence and their combination nearly produced a goal as the former saw his shot parried away by Laos goalkeeper Kitom Vengvongsot.
Laos were awarded a promising free-kick outside the box after Cambodia defender Chheng Meng fouled Laos forward Soukchida Natphasouk. The defender became the first player to be in the referee’s books for his troubles.
Laboravy nearly made an instant impact with a goal after his ferocious attempt prompted Kitom to make a strong save.
Laos midfielder Bounphachan found space in the centre of the box but could only hit a tame shot allowing Soksela to gather the ball without much threat.
Laos revived their hopes of continuing their stay at the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy after Phithack curled a delicate effort beyond the reach of Soksela in the 68th minute for his second goal of the tournament.
Cambodia were reduced to 10 men after Sath, who provided the assist for the opening goal, was stretchered off the field in the 82nd minute after picking up an injury having already used all their substitutes.
Cambodia substitute Laboravy showed good touches to beat his marker before setting up Suhana who missed a valuable opportunity from close range to help his side to a lead.
With their stay in the tournament looking bleak, Laos were awarded a free-kick deep in stoppage time and Phithack became a hero after curling a fine winner and subsequently became the outright leading scorer of the tournament with three goals.
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