Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BRUNEI ended their 26-year wait to advance into the group stage of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022.
The Wasps won 6-3 on aggregate despite falling 1-0 in the reverse leg of their qualifier against Timor Leste on Tuesday.
The Sultanate, whose last appearance was in the inaugural edition in 1996, are placed in Group A together with Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines.
Timor Leste came out eith all guns blazing at the Balapan Track and Field in Berakas.
They had a chance to open the scoring in the 15th minute.
Olagar Xavier sent in a perfect cross from the right and Joao Freitas got at the end of it only to somehow blast it over from point blank range.
Jhon Oliveira was through on goal but Brunei goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring came out to prevent the shot just after half hour mark.
Timor Leste broke the deadlock two minutes into first half added time.
Freitas sent a cross from the left which was struck home by skipper Mouzinho Lima at the far post.
Despite dominating the game, they couldn't cut the deficit.
Lima struck a 25-yard freekick on target but only straight to Haimie in the 74th minute.
Brunei were given a let off after Mario Dias had a cross-shot come off the woodwork minutes from time.
Substitute Alexandro Keli got to the ball first but blasted it over from close range.
