| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Darussalam under-14s came back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw in a highly-spirited match against Singapore under-14s in Group ‘A’ of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-14 Regional Festival of Football at the Berakas Sports Complex yesterday.
Ilhan Fandi Ahmad struck a beautifully curled effort from the edge of the box moments after coming on as a substitute in the first half while Mohammad Haziq Rosni towering header looked to have given Singapore their first victory.
However, the hosts had other ideas and showed glimpses of their second-half display against Myanmar during their first game to avoid defeat.
Brunei’s Iman Mahdi Suhaimi had cancelled Chua Zikos Vasileios Ming Xun opener.
Brunei have shown that they are not afraid to create efforts from distance with Mohammad Zainul Ariffun Mahdinee and Mohammad Ady Aiman Haji Noorajrin hitting the target.
Iman searched for a second goal but his shot trickled past the goalkeeper who was glad to see it rolled wide.
Brunei’s player scores the penalty against Singapore for the equalizer. – PHOTOS: KHAIRIL HASSAN
ABOVE & BELOW: Players in action during the AFC Under-14 Regional Festival of Football at the Berakas Sports Complex yesterday
There were signs of encouragement after coming to level terms as Mohammad Aimanuddin Haji Masri burst into the box but the keeper dived well to prevent his shot from creeping into the bottom corner.
Iman creatively controlled the ball and setting up space before curling a fine attempt forcing Singapore goalkeeper Dylan Christopher Goh Hsien Chun to parry the ball away for a corner.
The Young Lions seemed favourites to regain the lead but the home goalkeeper closed the gap early to allow him to make a smart save from Chua Zikos.
Singapore restored their lead after Ilhan- the son of football icon Fandi Ahmad- took a few touches before curling a fine effort.
Singapore’s Muhammad Rukaifi Juraimi made an immediate impact as a substitute after delivering a peach of the cross which Mohammad Haziq nodded home.
Mohammad Aimanuddin Haji Masri scored his second goal in a second successive game after his beautifully curled effort amid pressure found the bottom corner.
The young Tabuans were awarded a penalty after Iman was fouled and Mohammad Aimanuddin stepped in to convert the penalty in the 47th minute with his third goal in as many matches.
Md Aisan Aizuddin Abdullah Md Aiman darted into the box but the goalkeeper saved his effort.
Meanwhile in the other Group ‘A’ results, Vietnam beat Myanmar 3-1 while Thailand romped to a 10-1 victory over Singapore.
Cambodia enjoyed a second successive win in the regional festival thanks to a 12-0 rout of Timor Leste- who have shipped 20 goals so far- while Laos emerged 3-2 winners over Malaysia in Group ‘B’.
The other late afternoon game also witnessed a stalemate between Thailand and Myanmar.
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