Courtesy: Brudirect.com

Off To AFF Futsal Challenge

By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei's 13-member Under 24 futsal squad left the country for Thailand, to take part in the ASEAN Football Federation's (AFF) futsal tournament. Brunei is placed in the Group B together with Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar while Group A consists of Malaysia Australia, Philippines and Indonesia.

Brunei will be playing Myanmar today, followed by a second game tomorrow, this time against Vietnam. The team's final group match will be against favourites Thailand on Wednesday.

All matches will be played at the Hua Mak indoor stadium.

To progress to the next stage, Brunei would have to win their games against Myanmar and Vietnam, as to beat hosts Thailand is a rather tall order. Only the top two teams of the groups would make the next round.

Prior to their departure, coach Hj Md Rosanan bin Abdullah Samak said "We can make the semifinal this year. However, our young players must show similar confidence in their matches, especially when playing against Myanmar and Vietnam, if they were to get the wins."

When asked about strategy, Hj Md Rosanan said, "We must play as a cohesive unit, and teamwork is really important in this aspect. My team is good at defence and going into counterattacks out of defence."

Assistant manager Hj Rosaidi bin Hj Md Kamis, on his part, said, "Although the Brunei team has only have two weeks of preparation, we will try our best to bring back the championship. Our first five starter will be Alianapiyah bin Hj Md Noor, Eddy Roslan bin Samad, Sumardi bin Taib, Ak Md Sahril bin Pg Hj Zainal and Irwan bin Mohammad."

Hj Rosaidi said the tourney this year is the third to be participated by Brunei.

Brunei didn't qualify for the semis last year, while in the year before, Brunei finished in third spot.

Before leaving for Thailand, the players and officials heard a briefing from the BAFA secretary-general Pengiran Hj Metussin bin Pg Haji Metassan. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com