Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BRUNEI put up a commendable performance and went down fighting 3-2 against the Laos SEA Games team in a friendly on Sunday night.
The national football team looked down and out after falling behind by three goals within 34 minutes at the Laos National Stadium.
Azwan Ali Rahman and Hakeme Said replied for the Wasps to set up a nail biting finale.
Laos took an early lead courtesy of a free kick by Phoutthavong Sangvilay from 25 yards out in the sixth minute.
They were going for the long balls which Brunei had some difficulty dealing with.
The visitors were on target in the 18th minute through a long range strike by Azizi Ali Rahman but Laos keeper Keooudone kept it out.
Hakeme also tested Keooudone from outside the box in the 27th minute and the latter was equal go the task.
Laos doubled their advantage immediately at the other end with skipper Bounphachan Bounkong putting the ball across goal for Chony Wenpaserth to tap home from close range.
The hosts made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute with Phoutthasay Khochalern sending a perfect pass for Phithack Kongmathilath to slot home from inside the area.
Brunei pulled one back five minutes before the break after Azwan drove a long range shot from 25 yards out past Keooudone.
The Wasps threatened early in the second half as Razimie Ramlli played a ball across but no yellow shirts were in the area to tap it in.
In the 64th minute, Bounphachan drove a powerful shot from 30 yards out but Brunei shotstopper Mohd Ishyra Asmin Jabidi was to his equal to parry the shot.
Brunei cut the deficit to one goal after Hakeme scored a superb free kick from 30 yards out into the top right corner leaving Keooudone no chance.
The Wasps continued to push forward in search of an equaliser but to no avail.
