BRUNEI BLAST TIMOR TO GO TOP

PHNOM PENH (21 Oct 2008) – Brunei blasted Timor Leste 4-1 to go top of the standings in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 qualifiers here at the National Olympic Stadium.With Laos beating the Philippines 2-1 in an earlier match, it has made the chase for the two only available spots into the next round still open.“It was an excellent game and it was tough until the final whistle,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.“But we were going for the positive result as we needed the points to make sure that we have a good chance to qualify into the next round.”With Timor looking a shade off colour as captain Alfredo Esteves looking a little restrained, it allowed Brunei more space to push forward.It did not take too long for Brunei to go in front where in the ninth minute off a short pass from the left, prolific striker Mohd Shahraezn Said blasted home to put them in front.Timor continued to struggle after that and with the failure to win the midfield battles, their stray passes added to the confusion of the forwards as Brunei continued to stamp their authority.In the 26th minute, Shahrazen was again on target when he headed home a well-executed cross from Sairol Sahari to put the sultanate in a confident mood as they head into the dressing room at the half.The second half saw Simunic urging his lads on and in the 57th minute, Brunei nailed their third goal of the evening when a clever chip from the midfield was put well beyond the reach of Timor keeper Leonel Araujo by the nippy Mohd Azwan Saleh.Brunei gave then gave themselves an unassiable lead in the 76th minute with a penalty from Sallehuddin Damit although Timor did pull a goal back ten minutes to the end from Rosito Soares.“Brunei started the match better than us,” lamented Pedro Almeida, the head coach for Timor Leste.“We made two mistakes earlier in the game and they scored both times. That is football.” (aseanfootball)