Courtesy: BruneiDirect.Com

Brunei futsal team impressive

By Sang Dewi

Brunei futsal team did the nation proud by showing impressive improvement and development at the 3rd Asean Football Federation Championship 2005 in Thailand by whipping Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and put a dent on Malaysia's hopes to qualify for the final when Brunei held them to a 1-1 draw on Thursday.

In the opening match, Brunei lost to Thailand, the 2001 and 2003 champions, 12-1 with Sairol Sahari scoring the only goal for Brunei.

Despite the early setback, Brunei came back strongly to topple Philippines 6-4 to earn them three points. The next day, Brunei beat Vietnam 6-3 to get another three points putting them on 3rd spot in the standing behind Thailand who stayed unbeaten throughout the championship and Malaysia.

Brunei's 19-year-old Mohd Shahrazen Said was named the Best Player in the matches against Vietnam and Philippines. Mohd Shahrazen who plays for AH United hit four against Philippines while Sumardi Hj Mohd Taib and Muhd Hardyman netted one each.

The scorers against Vietnam were Ak Md Shahril (1 goal), Muhd Hardyman (1) and Mohd Shahrazen (4).

Brunei's Ali Anapiyah bin Hj Md Noor was named the best goalkeeper in the match against Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Brunei stunned Indonesia 3-1 yesterday. Muhd Hardyman scored two goals while Md Shahrazen got a goal to his credit.

The Brunei team is coached by Hj Md Rosanan Abdullah Samak (Brunei's coach of the year 2004) with Hj Md Rosaidi Kamis and Zaini Tumih as assistant coaches.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin