Caption: The national under-18 football team starting XI pose for a photo before kick off against the Philippines at the AFF Under-18 Championship in Myanmar. Picture: Courtesy of Myanmar Football Federation
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BRUNEI kicked off their Group B campaign at the AFF Under-18 Championship in Myanmar with a 3-2 comeback victory over the Philippines earlier.
The Philippines went in front through Mariano Suba in the 32nd minute at the Thuwunna Stadium.
The lead was shortlived as Muhammad Abdul Mateen, the younger brother of national strikers Shahrazen and Adi Said, equalised for the Sultanate almost immediately.
He ran in from the right before putting the ball past Filipino custodian Jessie Semblante.
Muhammad Abdul Mateen Said (R) in action against the Philippines. Picture: Courtesy of Myanmar Football Federation
Brunei were awarded a penalty four minutes into the second half after Muhammad Nur Aysraffahmi Norsamri was fouled in the box.
He stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards out to put his side up 2-1.
The Philippines levelled after skipper Fidel Tacardon headed home off a Robert Wilson corner in the 55th minute.
Brunei went back in front 10 minutes later with Wadud Ramli nodding Muhammad Nur Aysraffahmi’s cross past Semblante.
The Philippines pushed forward in search of an equaliser and had one final opportunity to steal a point in stoppage time but Suba was denied by Brunei goalkeeper Muhd Amirul Hakim Zulkarnain.
Brunei skipper Muhammad Wafi Aminuddin (R) in action against the Philippines. Picture: Courtesy of Myanmar Football Federation
“We are of course very happy to pick up our first full points which is really our first international win,” said Mateen as quoted on the AFF website.
“Now we have to prepare for our next game,” he added.
Brunei will next face Vietnam on Thursday before facing hosts Myanmar two days later.
They will complete group stage play against Indonesia on Sept 13.
