AFF Cup
The draw means an exciting final matchday with Indonesia - leading the standings ahead of Vietnam on goal difference - needing to avoid defeat against Malaysia on Sunday to advance.
Vietnam will also go through should the Indonesia-Malaysia tie finish without a winner, with the defending champions to play Cambodia, who defeated Laos 3-0 on Wednesday thanks to a first half brace from Chan Vathanaka and Sieng Changthea’s second half strike.
.jpeg)
CAMBODIA 3-0 LAOS
It was a battle for pride as both teams were out of knockout stage contention after successive defeats in Group B, but Cambodia quickly grabbed control of the match.
Laos defended in numbers but a series of swift passes saw Chan beat the offside trap before dribbling past goalkeeper Solasak Thilavong and his defenders to break the deadlock in the 31st minute.
.jpeg)
Chan doubled his tally 10 minutes later after rising highest to head home Kouch Sokumpheak’s cross into the area.
Laos boss V. Sundramoorthy sent on fresh players in the second half with the hopes of turning the tide but their aggression backfired in the 74th minute with Sieng scoring at the end of a counter-attack.
INDONESIA 0-0 VIETNAM
Indonesia made four changes to the starting line-up that beat Laos 5-1 with 24-year-old Ezra Walian leading the charge, while defender Bui Tien Dung was the only addition to the Vietnam squad.
Vietnam had their first sight on goal in the ninth minute but neither Nguyen Phong Hong Duy nor Nguyen Thang Chung could convert the early opportunity.
Indonesia were forced to play mostly in their own half due to Vietnam’s high press, and when they did find their way into the final third, little came out of their runs against a disciplined Vietnamese backline.
The goalless stalemate continued well into the second half with Indonesia registering their first shot on goal through Ezra in the 58th minute, but his strike from distance did little to trouble Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh.
Vietnam, knowing a win would confirm their spot in the semi-finals, continued to barrage Indonesia custodian Ernando Ari Sutaryadi with strike after strike but there was to be no reward with Group B to be decided on Sunday.
Photos: Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), Lao Football Federation (LFF)
Related News
- Asian Icons
Azmoun, Tomiyasu, Carpenter and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!
- AFF Cup
Thailand, Singapore through to semis
- WAFF Championship
Yemen win WAFF U15 championship
- FIFA Arab Cup
Hatem ready to shine as Qatar brace for Algeria test
- Domestic Leagues
Vermaelen leaves Vissel Kobe
Item 1 of 5