Caption: Md Aminuddin Masri was the hero for Brunei scoring two goals to lead the comeback victory over Hong Kong. Picture: Courtesy of Chinese Taipei FA
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE national under-15 football team came from behind to stun Hong Kong 2-1 in Group F of the 2018 AFC Under-16 Championship qualifiers in Chinese Taipei earlier today.
The victory is the second for Brunei having beaten Macau 4-0 in their opener on Saturday and put them on six points, their best ever points tally, in the five-team competition.
Md Aminuddin Masri was the hero for Brunei bagging a double in the win at the Fu Jen University.
The Brunei starting XI against Hong Kong at the 2018 AFC Under-16 Championship qualifiers in Chinese Taipei. Picture: Courtesy of Chinese Taipei
It was always going to be difficult for Brunei to upend Hong Kong after they were reduced to 10 men in the 38th minute.
Defender Md Aisan Aisamuddin Abdullah Md Aiman was brandished a straight red after he used his hands to stop a goal-bound shot off a corner.
Willis Tung then stepped up to convert the penalty and give Hong Kong the lead.
Brunei equalised on the hour mark after a freekick was launched from their own half for Aminuddin Masri to give chase.
Hong Kong goalkeeper Ng Wai Hin got a hand to his initial chip but Aminuddin stayed with it and headed in the rebound.
The Sultanate went in front in the 89th minute through another setpiece from their own half.
Md Hakeme Yazid Said launched the ball forward and it was headed on for Aminuddin to connect and put the ball over Ng, who was caught off his line, to steal all three points.
Md Aisan Aizuddin Abdullah Md Aiman in action against Hong Kong. Picture: Courtesy of Chinese Taipei FA
National under-15 football team Stephen Ng paid tribute to those involved in getting the triumph.
“Firstly, this win is for the people of Brunei especially HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, the President of NFABD, for believing and setting up youth football Development in the country,” said Stephen.
“Credit goes to everyone back home who supported this team of strong players and hard work of the coaching team.
“The players played their hearts out today, with strong focus and carried out our game plan with highest tactical discipline especially playing with 10v11 after the 38min red card and being a goal down,” he added.
“Although our team are unlikely to qualify now with a minus goal difference, we shown to the Asia family that Brunei football is developing well.
“We hope to continue working hard in our development and achieve more in the future,” continued Stephen.
After the opening victory, Brunei then slipped to hosts Chinese-Taipei 2-1 on Monday before getting hammered 9-0 by DPR Korea two days later.
