Lao Football Fanclub

Former Lao coach Alfred Riedl becomes Indonesia U-23 coach

2010-03-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

"They offered me the job, but they only gave me part of the contract," said former Vietnam coach Alfred Riedl of his talks with the Indonesian national team.

PSSI Extends Job Offer to Riedl
With 2011 Asian Cup qualifying behind it and 2014 World Cup qualifying ahead of it, the Indonesian national team faces a brief but crucial period of self-evaluation.

Its 1-0 loss at Australia on Wednesday brought to a close an unsuccessful qualifying campaign that saw Indonesia miss the continental championship for the first time since 1992. It also brought down the curtain on Benny Dollo’s second spell in charge of the team.

As part of the rebuilding needed to arrest the slide in the national team’s fortunes, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) on Thursday announced it had appointed former Vietnam and Laos coach Alfred Riedl as the new senior and Under-23 national team coach.

“Riedl will be the head coach for both the Under-23 and senior teams starting this month. I don’t think it will be a problem as we will send mostly Under-23 players for international events this year, including the [2014] World Cup and [2012] Olympic qualifiers,” PSSI secretary general Nugraha Besoes said.

“We have to send more youngsters to international tournaments as we will never perform well without proper regeneration.”

However, Riedl said he had not completed any deal with the PSSI.

“[The PSSI] offered me the job, but they only gave me part of the contract. They didn’t give me the full draft, and I haven’t received any more information from them,” the 60-year-old Austrian said in a phone interview with the Jakarta Globe on Thursday.

“It was only the part about the salary and bonus payments, nothing else. If this is going to be a two-year contract, it should be a little more concrete.”

Nugraha cited Riedl’s coaching skill and familiarity with Southeast Asia as the main reason behind the PSSI’s move.

Riedl had three spells in charge of Vietnam (1998-2001, 2003-04, 2005-07) and laid the groundwork for the country to emerge as the rising force in Southeast Asian football. His work bore fruit in December 2008 as Vietnam won its first AFF Suzuki Cup title, overcoming traditional powers Singapore and Thailand en route to the crown.

He also led the Laos U-23 team to a bronze medal in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games, its first SEA Games football medal. The run included the first victory over an Indonesian team in Laos’ history, a 2-0 group stage win.

While details were still scarce, Reidl said he was eager to make the move.

“I would love to come to Indonesia. I have a lot of experience in Southeast Asia and was very successful with Vietnam and Laos. It could be a fruitful partnership with Indonesia,” he said.

The PSSI cannot afford to dawdle, though, as Riedl said he was also in talks with Laos about an extension of his contract, which expired on Jan. 31.

“I still have no firm offer from Laos or Indonesia. I’ve been talking with the Laos FA and the Indonesian FA, but right now the Laos FA is doing more talking,” he said.

Another part of the PSSI’s ongoing shuffle was revealed on Thursday. It claimed the Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) nominated Ruud Krol to be Indonesia’s coach.

Last month, the PSSI approached the KNVB and asked for help in finding a new coach and technical director for the national team.

“The KNVB answered our call for help and nominated Ruud Krol as coach, but we want him to be the technical director. We’ll ask the KNVB to confirm if they agree to Krol’s appointment as technical director,” he said.

Krol, 61, made 83 appearances as a defender for the Dutch national team from 1969 to 1983. He had 339 appearances in 12 seasons with Ajax before finishing his playing career with Napoli and Cannes.

Having previously managed in Belgium, Switzerland, Egypt and France, he is currently the manager of South African side Orlando Pirates.

To give the national team more run-outs, the PSSI announced it would host two international tournaments. The Anniversary Cup will take place on April 2-7 as part of the PSSI’s anniversary celebration, and the Independence Cup will return in August. Nugraha said three teams were invited to each event but gave no further details.

Indonesia begins 2012 Olympic Games qualifying on Sept. 25-30, with 2014 World Cup qualifying beginning in October. Football

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/sports/pssi-extends-job-offer-to-riedl/362013

Laos to host 16th Asean University Games in 2012

2010-02-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

(KPL) The National University of Laos (NUOL) will receive the host flag for the Asean University Games in 2012 at the same name competition event held in Chiang Mai, Thailand at the end of this year.

The 6th Asean University Sports Council (AUSC) Coordination Meeting was held at in Vientiane on 24 February. Present at the meeting included NUOL Vice President and Chairman of the 16th Asean University Games, Prof. Dr. Somsy Gnophanxay, AUSC Chairman, Prof. Omar Osman, and officials from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

The largest Lao university expressed its confidence that its hosting of the ASEAN University Games would be successful.

AUSC officials have already inspected sporting facilities at the National Sport Complex, Olympasia and SEA Games Village, which will be used to host the games.

?The National University of Laos will send athletes to compete in nine sport events at the 15th Asean University Games. These include basketball, volleyball, football, petanque, sepak takraw, table tennis, taekwondo, karatedo and pencak silat,? said Dr. Somsy.

This year?s games in Thailand has 18 sport events including track-and-field, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball and volleyball, cricket, football, futsal, golf, karatedo, taekwondo, petanque, rugby, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, tennis, ten pin bowling and pencak silat events. Dr. Somsy said that NOUL would propose the government to fund the preparation of Lao athletes for the event and it would organise sporting events to select best athletes for the games in Chiang Mai.

The University of Health Science and the Universities of Savannakhet, Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces as well as line ministries and the National Sports Committee have been committed to cooperating with the NOUL on hosting the 16th ASEAN University Games.

Lao League 2010 scheduled

2010-02-28T04:14:00.000-08:00

(KPL) The schedule of the Lao Football League, also known as Lao League, is finalised and the Army is set to play their first leg against City on Feb 27. This year Lao League sees the participation of only eight teams because the Moon the Night and the Customs Department announced their withdrawal from the 2010 competition list last week. All matches will be played at the old Chao Anouvong Stadium at 15:00 hours. Following are the Lao League 2010 match schedules:

27/02/2010: Army Vs City, Ministry of Public Works and Transport vs Ministry of Public Security

28/02/2010: Bank of Laos vs Ezra, Lao American College vs Vientiane Capital

06/03/2010: Ministry of Public Works and Transport vs Vientiane Capital, Bank of Laos Vs Lao American College

07/03/2010: City vs Ezra, Army vs Ministry of Public Security

13/03/2010: Ministry of Public Security vs Vientiane Capital, Army vs Ezra

14/03/2010: City vs Lao American College, Ministry of Public Works and Transport vs Bank of Laos

20/03/2010: Army vs Vientiane Capital, Ezra vs Lao American College

21/03/2010: Ministry of Public Security vs Bank of Laos, City vs Ministry of Public Security

27/03/2010: Ezra vs Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Ministry of Public Security vs City

28/03/2010: Army vs Lao American College, Vientiane Capital vs Bank of Laos

03/04/2010: Ezra vs Ministry of Public Security, Lao American College vs Ministry of Public Works and Transport

04/04/2010: Vientiane Capital vs City, Army vs Bank of Laos

10/04/2010: BANK OF LAOS vs City, Army vs Ministry of Public Works and Transport

11/04/2010: Lao American College vs Ministry of Public Security, Vientiane Capital vs Ezra

Kaz Phonesak Patafta, Lao-Croatia football player in Australia

2010-02-28T04:13:00.001-08:00

Kaz Phonesak Patafta, (born 25 October 1988 in Canberra) is an Australian football (soccer) attacking midfielder who currently plays for the Newcastle Jets. He attended Radford College in Canberra and received a football scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in 2004. He is of Croatian and Laotian descent.

Lao National TV covered the story of Kaz

Until that date, he had been ignored by Australia's A-League squads but soon, two European giants, PSV Eindhoven (whose interest was due to the recommendation of then Australian national team manager, Guus Hiddink) and SL Benfica, expressed interest in signing him [1]. The Portuguese side won the race for the Australian youngster but his move overseas was initially blocked by Football Federation Australia because he was under the age of 18. He eventually joined Benfica's B-Squad in January 2006. His first game for the Benfica first team was against CF Estrela da Amadora in a pre-season game on 15 August 2006.

Kaz Interview

Patafta joined Australian A-League champions Melbourne Victory on loan for the 2007/08 season. He played his first game for Melbourne Victory in a pre-season match against Sydney FC, to which they lost 1-0. He has mostly made appearances off the bench in the 2007/08 A-League season, amid suggestions he is not physical enough, or even big enough for the league. His first goal in the A-League, a left foot shot from a tight angle, came in the round 20 encounter against Wellington Phoenix.

Watch his interview in World sport

In May 2008, Patafta secured a release from the remainder of his contract with Benfica with the assistance of the Australian Professional Footballers' Association. On 2 June 2008, Patafta signed a 1 year deal with the Newcastle Jets.[

International career
Patafta gained attention when he captained the Australian Under-17 football team, the "Joeys", during the 2005 World Championships in Peru.[4]

"In a team where most of the players show good skills with the ball, Kaz Patafta has ensured his spot and has no replacement as a midfielder. A good reader of the game and the centre of command, this boy naturally became the captain of the Aussies".

Patafta was included as part of Australia's "train-on" squad before the 2006 FIFA World Cup, along with fellow promising young Australian players Kristian Sarkies and Neil Kilkenny. Unlike these players, he was not given a senior cap in the team's three pre-World Cup friendly matches.

Click photos to view in large size.

Lao Su Su fashion in preview

2010-02-18T01:01:00.000-08:00

The spirits of SEA Games 2009 in Vientiane, Laos

Lao League 2010

2010-02-18T00:49:00.000-08:00

Lao League comes back

(KPL ) Football fans will be able to cheer for their favourite teams again in this year?s football league.

The Lao League is the highest division within the Lao Football Federation and this year?s tournament will be played at the Chao Anouvong Stadium from 20 February to 11 April after one year of absence due to the 25th SEA Games.

This year?s league draws 10 football clubs to compete, including Vientiane, Bank of the Lao PDR, the Lao-American College, Haisok, Moon the Night, Customs Department, Ezra, Army, Ministry of Public Security, and Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The Lao Football League in 2008 saw the competition of 10 football clubs including Lao-American College, Vientiane, Army, Public Works and Transport, Ministry of Public Security, Bank of the Lao PDR, Ezra, Lao Journalists? Association, the National University of Laos and Moon the Night. The Army was the champion of Lao Football League in 2008.

The Lao Football Federation will organise the league and host the Asean Cup tournament at the end of next year.

Malaysian Behind Football Revival In Laos

2009-12-26T06:24:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Perhaps not many people realise it, but fitness coach Raja Mohd Firhad Raja Azidin was one of those instrumental for Laos' football team's recent success in reaching the semi-finals for the first time at the SEA Games football competition.
Raja Mohd Firhad, 34, was the fitness coach for the Laotian squad for five months from July until the end of the 25th edition of the SEA Games held in Vientiane.

Relating his experience to Bernama, he said it all started when the hosts requested the Asean Football Federation (AFF) to look for a fitness coach for their national squad.

"The AFF then contacted the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) who chose me for the job in Vientiane. I was then lecturing at the faculty."

Raja Mohd Firhad, who arrived in Laos in July, said he was shocked to see the spartan facilities at the headquarters of the Laos Football Federation (LFF), which is located in a village area, about 10km from Vientiane.

He said the players' two-storey hostel, the groundfloor built from concrete and the top floor from timber, was in a mess and had only one air-conditioner.

"I then wrote to the LFF to improve the situation, to make it conducive for the players, and it was immediately attended to," he recalled.

He said the players' fitness level was low at the time and definitely not for international-level competition.

"They did not apply sports science at all in their training and their diet was not one for athletes."

He said everything then slowly changed and improved, including their diet, while they also accepted his sports science application in their training programme.

Raja Mohd Firhad said that during his five-month stint there, both the players and football federation took his advice well.

The players' fitness level markedly improved with the sports science application that he introduced in their training.

He noted that although they lagged behind in many aspects, the players had a very strong spirit to serve and make their nation proud.

"Their spirit is like that of Malaysia's football legend, the late Mokhtar Dahari who chased glory for the country and not money," he said.

With the team, Raja Mohd Firhad also managed to gain the experience of training for three months with the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club, a top football club in Vietnam.

He is now resting at his home in Hulu Langat, near here, while waiting for his contract with the LFF to be extended as Laos is preparing for the Asian Cup 2010 qualifying round and the next SEA Games in Indonesia in 2011.

The Laos football squad which reached the semi-finals at the 25th SEA Games recently, however, lost to Malaysia 1-3.

-- BERNAMA

Singapore beat Laos in football bronze play-off

2009-12-17T17:15:00.000-08:00

VIENTIANE - Isa Halim lost his No 4 shirt - and his shorts - after the bronze medal play-off against SEA Games hosts Laos at the Chao Anouvong Stadium Thursday.

Standing on the track adjacent to the pitch clad only in his red tights, Isa drew a lot of attention from bystanders after the Singapore team were mobbed by locals who wanted a piece of the men who had downed Laos 3-1 to take the bronze.

And how sweet victory was for the youngest team in the competition, with an average age of just 19.8 years.

Few in Singapore had confidence in the Republic's under-23 football team here.

Indeed, the sentiment was that this young squad would not even make it out of the group stages of the competition.

But Terry Pathmanathan's charges sealed the bronze with goals from Khairul Nizam (23rd minute), Fazli Ayob (53rd) and Fadhil Noh (87th).

"I think this is a very big success and I'm very proud of the players," said Pathmanathan, just before he was doused with ice water and tossed into the air by his jubilant charges.

"Many people wrote them off but they've done well, extremely well as a matter of fact.

"There was no sign of nerves from these boys and this bronze medal will inspire them to greater heights in football, but the challenge is to keep them together," he added.

A majority of this SEA Games squad will play for the Young Lions in the S-League next year, but with school commitments and National Service on the horizon, it will be a challenge for the Football Association of Singapore to keep the team together for the next two SEA Games.

But, for team captain Isa, the SEA Games road has come to an end.

Still clad only in his tights, he said: "I feel proud leading these young boys. They showed that they have a bright future ahead of them, and this bronze medal is just a stepping stone for them."

Channelnewsasia.com

25th SEA Games football crown goes to Malaysia

2009-12-17T17:11:00.001-08:00

Malaysia were crowned SEA Games champions in the men?s football final last night after a lucky 1-0 victory over Vietnam to win the gold medal at the National Stadium.
The teams fought hard through both halves but the score remained 0-0 until Vo Hoang Quang of Vietnam accidentally rebounded a defensive shot to score an own goal and clinch the victory for Malaysia in the final minutes of standard time.

Vietnam came close to drawing level in injury time, but Malaysia held them off to take the coveted title in a gripping close to the tournament that saw Malaysian fans erupt in celebration, while the legions of Vietnamese supporters who travelled to Vientiane for the occasion had to settle for silver. ?We deserve to be the champions, even though in the first half the Vietnamese team played better,? said Malaysian Team Coach K.Raja Gobal.

He said the Malaysian side benefited from breaks in the fast paced game after the Vietnamese goal keeper was injured, and play had to be halted several times during the course of the match.
?All of my players did well, especially Kandasamy Gurusamy Govanda, our midfielder who is just 20 years old,? he said, adding that Malaysia were the better team in the second half.

President of the Vietnamese Football Federation Nquyen Troag Thy said his team had played well and hard, and praised the spirit of the Vietnamese players during the game. ?We were unlucky during this match, we attacked many times against Malaysia,? he said.

On the same day at Chao Anouvong stadium, Singapore beat Laos 3-1to win the bronze medal. Muhammad Khairul Nizam Bin scored Singapore?s first goal 22 minutes into the game, the remainder of the first half yielding no further score despite the attempts of both teams, the Lao side backed by their faithful, flag waving football army marching to the sound of dozens of drums.

Singapore?s Muhammed Fazli Bin Ayob scored the second goal of the match 6 minutes into the second half, spurring the Lao players into a barrage of attacks, none of which could break through the Singapore defence.

Muhammad Fadhil Bin Noh sealed the deal for Singapore with a third goal in the 86th minute, but Laos kept fighting and star striker Lamnao Singto succeeded in scoring Laos? only goal 2 minutes later. Injury time produced no further goals for Laos, and the players and fans had to settle for fourth place at the end of a campaign that gripped the nation and saw Laos reach further than ever before in a SEA Games football tournament.

Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh attended both the playoff between Laos and Singapore and the final at the National Stadium to watch the action and preside over the medal ceremonies.

Diehard fans continue support for Lao footballers

2009-12-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

Although Laos ' loss to Malaysia on Monday in the semifinals of the SEA Games tournament broke the hearts of local supporters, most are still eager to see the third-place playoff between Laos and Singapore today.

Spot checks by the Vientiane Times found that most supporters were on the hunt for tickets to see the fight for a bronze medal, slated for 3pm at the Chao Anouvong Stadium.

Local businessman Mr Bounsavath said he didn't make it to the Laos-Malaysia game but was definitely going to watch the final appearance of Laos when they face Singapore for the second time in the tournament.

“We don't care about the result of the final to be played at the National Stadium, we just want to show our support for Laos and spur them on in their bronze medal attempt. Don't worry, Lao fans will be by their side whether they win or lose.”

That opinion was typical of the sentiments of local fans who desperately want the Lao squad to put on a good performance and do their best to get a medal from the tournament.

Lao Men's Football Team Manager Viphet Sihachackr echoed these feelings on Tuesday.

“Now we are playing in our fifth match of the tournament. We had hoped this would be the gold medal match, but we're playing for the bronze medal instead.”

“I'd like to thank all Lao fans for buying tickets and cheering us on so enthusiastically. I'm confident the crowd today will be every bit as supportive as at previous matches,” he said.

Mr Viphet said it would be good if entry to the match were free, but the SEA Games Organising Committee said the normal ticket price would stand and that rule had to be respected.

The Lao line-up will be similar to previous matches with the exception of defender Keovixian Keovilay who has picked up an injury.

“Our match with Singapore today won't be like last time when we were both looking at a place in the semi-final. This will be a more interesting game, like our match with Indonesia ,” Mr Viphet said.

That game really impressed him, he said, and he hoped today's match would be in the same league. Most of the players were at the same standard and played a similar game, which made for entertaining and competitive football.

In today's matches Laos will meet Singapore at the Chao Anouvong Stadium at 3pm and Malaysia will face Vietnam in the tournament final at the National Stadium at 5pm.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Vientianetimes

PRAISE FOR LAOS FOOTBALLERS

2009-12-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad believes that Laos should not feel too bad about not making the final of men's football after losing to Malaysia last night as making the semi-finals was already a historic achievement. "The Laos footballers should be praised for reaching the semi-final round for the first time in a SEA Games competition," said Somsavat. "I can see that they have improved because of hard training and tried their best as the hosts of this event.

"But the fans should continue to encourage Laos athletes in the remaining days of the competition to cheer the athletes to win for their country."

Laos had created history this year when they made the semi-finals of men's football by beating Indonesia and also holding Singapore and Myanmar in the group stage. But they lost out of a place in the final in the 25th edition of the SEA Games after losing to Malaysia 3-1 last night at the Main Stadium.

Laos continued improvement in football was due to their team's long-term attachment with Vietnam club Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) for over a year. "Our athletes have done well in the games, winning many gold, silver and bronze medals so far," added Somsavat.

"Laos have never won medals like this before, but this time we are the hosts and our athletes have trained hard for victory.

"The current games fever prove that the people are keen to cheer local athletes in all popular sports, so this makes me believe that Laos sports will continue to improve because of the increased interest of our people."

By: WSL MSC Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia) - ICT Committee

SEAG

Laos's football dream ends (Videos)

2009-12-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

Malaysia rallied to beat hosts Laos 3-1 in the second semi-final to book their place in the final against Vietnam which will be played at the same venue of the Main Stadium in Vientiane on Dec 17.

The final appearance is the first for the Malaysians in eight years since 2001 when they lost to Thailand in Kuala Lumpur.

And this evening with the expectant fans heavily backing the home team to make their debut in the final of the SEA Games, it was to be the Malaysians who pinned their opponents in their own half at the start of the game.

In the second minute, Abdul Manaf Mamat tested Laos keeper Souvanpheng Panthavong with a rifling shot from 20metre out while several minutes later, striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha’s attempt with placing shot was parried.

Laos put pressure in the midfield through the hard work of Lamnao Singto and Kampheng Sayyavuthi but they just could not get past the Malaysian backline marshalled by Zafuan Adha Abdul Razak.

In the 13th minute, a blanket of silence fell on the Laos fans when off a cross from Manaf Mamat on the right, Badrol Bakhtiar rose high for an overhead kick which went straight into goal.

As the small Malaysian supporters began chanting, Laos came close with a free kick from Kaysone Soukhavong but his attempt was well received by Malaysian custodian Sharbinee Allawee.

Malaysia were a little slower going into the second half and as they laid back to protect their lead, a seemingly innocuous dipping shot from distance in the 72nd minute beat Sharbinee for the first time in the game - much to the jubilation of the home fans.

But in their eagerness to look for their second goal and the lead, Laos left gaps at the back and this allowed Malaysia to capitalise on in the 78th minute when Badrol picked a pass from S. Kunalan to blast home.

And six minutes later, Safiq Rahim made it beyond Laos’ reach with the third goal from inside the penalty box to put Malaysia through.

Malaysia’s appearance in the final will allow them the chance for a re-match against Vietnam, whom they lost to in the group stage with a 3-1 score line.

NO MORE MINNOWS TAG FOR LAOS

2009-12-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

The tag minnows is no longer applicable to Laos football - men or women. Since making their appearance at the 1995 SEA Games in Thailand, the Laotian national side has been a constant feature of the biennial Asean Football Championships. Following their win over Brunei and the Philippines in 1995, they followed it up with a victory over Malaysia in the Jakarta SEA Games two years later. Enroute to a place in the semi-finals this year, Laos had also drawn against Myanmar (1-1) and Singapore (0-0) while beaten Indonesia 2-0.

And tomorrow, they will be looking to scalp the Malaysians for the second time in 12 years to win a place in the final. LFF president Phouvanh Vongsouthi said that the progress made by the national side or in this case the national Under-23 squad was due to a revamp in the programme.

"We are changing the way we look at our development programmes where we have come to rely more on the close relationships we have with several countries in the region to develop our football," said Phouvanh.

"For the current SEA Games, we sent our U23 team for an attachment to Vietnam with club Hoang Anh Gia Lai where for more than a year, all their expenses in terms of training, lodging and whatever were all taken care of by the Vietnam club.

"I believe for us, it is a better way of developing our football since Laos is a small country and we firmly believe in the ideals of the ASEAN brotherhood."

Domestic competitions are also active with over 60 clubs competing at various levels even though it is mostly restricted to the amateur levels with the top teams from the government ministries or public services. As the Laos menâ€™s football chart further into the unknown, their womenâ€™s team will be up against Vietnam in a crucial match later today to see if they can win a place in the final against Thailand on December 16.

The Laotian girls began their campaign in womenâ€™s football this year with a 1-1 draw against Myanmar, a 4-1 loss to defending champions Thailand and then a 5-0 win over Malaysia.

Source: SEAG

Venue and time for men's football semi-final

2009-12-12T05:13:00.000-08:00

The venue and time for the semi-final matches of men's football have been changed. This follows the team managers' meeting with the four teams - Vietnam and Malaysia (from Group A) as well as Laos and Singapore (from Group B) - which was held this morning at the Laos Football Federation headquarters this morning.

"The change is deemed to be necessary to accomodate TV requirements and that of the fans," said Phouvanh Vongsouthi, the president of the LFF.

The Vietnam-Singapore match will be played at the Chao Anouvong Stadium, Vientiane Capital. with kick-off at 18:00 hrs while the Laos-Malaysia clash will be held at the Main Stadium of the National Sports Complex, kick-off at 19:00hrs.

SEA Games: Thailand crash out of football tournament

2009-12-11T04:29:00.000-08:00

VIENTIANE - Eight-time defending champions Thailand crashed out of the Southeast Asian Games football competition Friday after two late goals from Malaysia, who join Vietnam in the semi-finals.

Needing only a draw to qualify for the last four, Thailand were the better side for large parts of the match and made their superiority count when Arthit Sunthornphit struck seven minutes after half-time direct from a free-kick.

But nine minutes from full-time Nasriq Baharom scored at the far post after a fine cross from the left by Azmi Muslim to level the scores and give Malaysia hope.

On 90 minutes, Ahmad Fakri Saarani won the match for Malaysia, firing home a cross from the right by Norshahrul Idlan Talaha to make it 2-1 and spark wild scenes of celebration.

Vietnam topped Group A with 10 points after thumping Cambodia 6-1, with Malaysia on nine points and Thailand, who had won every SEA Games football tournament since 1993, on seven.

Timor Leste finished bottom of the five-team group with no points after four straight defeats.

Host nation Laos and Singapore on Thursday qualified for the semi-finals of the under-23 competition from Group B.

MediaCorp Channel 5 will telecast the semi-final match between Singapore and Laos live on December 14.

- AFP/ir

Laos and Singapore in semi-finals of men's football

2009-12-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Laos and Singapore made it to the semi-finals of the men’s football event when they battled to a scoreless draw in their final Group B match. With the score tied all event at the end of a pulsating encounter, Laos won the group with five points from a win and two drawn matches - the same with Singapore. But the hosts emerged at the top of the standings on a better one goal difference as compared to the Young Lions. In the match that was played at the Main Stadium, the sell-out crowd had expected Laos to put up a grand show and beat Singapore following their 2-0 win over Indonesia in their last match. But considering what was at stake where a defeat might have just allowed Myanmar - who beat Indonesia 3-1 earlier - to sneak in, both teams were not risking too much. Chances were far and in between as the action were restricted to the middle of the park as both teams let the clock trickled down to the final whistle for their safe passage into the next round.

In the meantime, it was a futile victory for Myanmar when they beat Indonesia 3-1 in an earlier Group B match. The game began on an earnest note and in the sixth minute, Myanmar got their first goal of the game off a penalty from Tun Tun Win who sent Indonesian keeper Frenky Irawan the wrong way. Pai Soe got a chance in the eighth minute to add to the tally but he totally ballooned his effort while five minutes later, captain Khin Maung Lwin’s effort came off from the underside of the crossbar.

Laos and Singapore made it to the semi-finals of the men’s football event when they battled to a scoreless draw in their final Group B match. With the score tied all event at the end of a pulsating encounter, Laos won the group with five points from a win and two drawn matches - the same with Singapore. But the hosts emerged at the top of the standings on a better one goal difference as compared to the Young Lions. In the match that was played at the Main Stadium, the sell-out crowd had expected Laos to put up a grand show and beat Singapore following their 2-0 win over Indonesia in their last match. But considering what was at stake where a defeat might have just allowed Myanmar - who beat Indonesia 3-1 earlier - to sneak in, both teams were not risking too much. Chances were far and in between as the action were restricted to the middle of the park as both teams let the clock trickled down to the final whistle for their safe passage into the next round.

In the meantime, it was a futile victory for Myanmar when they beat Indonesia 3-1 in an earlier Group B match. The game began on an earnest note and in the sixth minute, Myanmar got their first goal of the game off a penalty from Tun Tun Win who sent Indonesian keeper Frenky Irawan the wrong way. Pai Soe got a chance in the eighth minute to add to the tally but he totally ballooned his effort while five minutes later, captain Khin Maung Lwin’s effort came off from the underside of the crossbar.

SEAG

LAOS-SINGAPORE MATCH TO MOVE TO MAIN STADIUM

2009-12-09T01:44:00.000-08:00

The final Group B match of the men’s football event between hosts Laos and Singapore tomorrow will be moved to the 20,000 capacity Main Stadium of the National Sports Complex. The change also applies to the game between Myanmar and Indonesia which will be played first at 1500hrs while the Laos-Singapore match will kick-off at 1745hrs.

Initially, the two matches were supposed to take place at the smaller Chao Anuvong Stadium which has a seating capacity of just 10,000. But following the overwhelming response from the Laos populace to support their homegrown players as well as the fact that the national Under-23 side had beaten Indonesia in their last game, the move was deemed to be necessary.

Laos are currently at the top of Group B with four points from one win and one draw - the same with Singapore. The winner of the match tomorrow will take the group.

Lao women footballers look to raise the bar against defending champions

2009-12-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

After opening their SEA Games campaign on home soil with a 1-1 draw against Myanmar , the 2007 bronze medallists, the Lao women's squad is now looking to improve in their match against defending champions Thailand .

Facing Thailand this afternoon could be too early for Laos , but they are hoping the home advantage will spur them on to a good result.

Assistant Coach Viengsavanh Sengchanh said “The Thai side is another strong rival for us because they are the reigning gold medallists from the last SEA Games.”

“But we still have a 50:50 chance to do well in this match.”

“To know if we have a chance to get a medal we have to see the result of the first game today between Myanmar and Vietnam , then we have to see how we go.

“Our players are all fit and ready for the game today.”

The first match today will begin at 1:30pm between Myanmar and Vietnam , followed by Laos against Thailand at 3:45pm. Both matches will be played at the National University Stadium.

In the men's event, Timor Leste plays Thailand at 3pm and Cambodia takes on Malaysia , with both matches at the Chao Anouvong Stadium.

Football semifinal berth one step closer for Laos

2009-12-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Photo:Lamnao Singto reacts after scoring his second goal in Laos ' 2-0 win over Indonesia at the Chao Anouvong Stadium.

A semifinal berth for the Lao men's football team now seems within reach after they beat strong rivals Indonesia 2-0 in the Group B qualifying round of the 25th SEA Games yesterday at the Chao Anouvong Stadium in Vientiane .

Lao superstar Lamnao Singto scored twice to power the team to victory and boost the Lao team's semifinal hopes.

The performances of Lamnao and his teammates in the second match of their SEA Games campaign delighted every Lao football fan and warmed the hearts of people all across the country.

Although the away team was stronger the hosts were not intimidated, and exceeded all expectations by emerging triumphant ahead of their next match against Singapore on Thursday.

If the semifinals dream is to become reality, Laos must draw with Singapore .

At the start of the match against Indonesia , Laos attacked the away team, while Indonesia counter-attacked in an attempt to get the first goal. In the 22nd minute Kaysone Soukhavong took a corner kick which drove the ball to the front of the Indonesian goal. This gave Phatthana Sivilay the chance to shoot but Indonesia 's goalkeeper Frenky Irawan pushed the ball over the crossbar.

Despite the furious attack mounted by both teams the first half ended 0-0.

In the second half Lamnao Singto was on the receiving end of a pass from Khampheng Sayavuthi which he deftly shot between Frenky's legs to put Laos in the lead 1-0 in the 66th minute.

Nine minutes later with Laos appearing to be in the driving seat Phatthana Sivilay powered a long ball into the penalty area. The Indonesian goalkeeper caught the ball but it slipped out of his hands and Lamnao pounded it into the net to make it 2-0 for Laos .

With about 8,000 people screaming their support for Laos , the crowd was surely instrumental in willing the home team to victory.

A supporter told Vientiane Times after the match he was truly delighted with the result, especially as this was the first time he had attended a SEA Games match.

“I like Kaysone because he controls the ball well and passes it to his teammates. For sure I'll be cheering for Laos when they face Singapore on Thursday,” he said.

After the match the streets around the stadium were packed with people celebrating the victory. Some could be seen dancing along the road, others were singing lustily and people in restaurants gathered in excited throngs.

In 2007 Indonesia ousted Laos 4-0 at the 23rd SEA Games in the Philippines .

Lao team head coach Alfred Riedl said that for the first time he had been training the team they played very well. But he didn't want to appear too enthusiastic because he knew the next match against Singapore would be tough, especially with a semifinal berth at stake.

On December 10, Laos will face Singapore and Indonesia will meet Myanmar at the Chao Anouvong Stadium.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Hosts Laos beat Indonesia to go top of group B

2009-12-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Hosts Laos went to the top of Group B of the men’s football event when they beat Indonesia with a comprehensive 2-0 win in the match that was played at the Chao Anuvong Stadium this evening. Laos had held silver medallists Myanmar to a 1-1 draw in their first match of the competition two days ago. But this evening the young side under head coach Alfred Riedl were a lot more determined against an Indonesian eager to win the full points following their own drawn match against Singapore earlier.

It was to be the combination of Engel Bert Sani and Boaz Salossa who were again at the forefront of the Laos attack although they just can’t seem to break past the Laos defence marshalled by the duo of Kitsada and Ketsada.

The game was restricted very much in the midfield as Lamnao Singto once again formed a lethal partnership alongside the returned to fitness Kampheng Sayyavuthi. With the score tied at the half, the game picked up the tempo after the break with Lamnao coming close on several occassions.

But he more than made it up for his earlier misses when in the 66th minute, Kampheng played the ball to Lamnao who ran into the Indonesian box for a grounder which keeper Frenky Irawan tried in vain to stop as it trickled between his legs.

The goal was just what the capacity crowd wanted as they all jumped to their feet in a unison of blue and red - men, women, children and all waving flags. Indonesia attempted to get back into the game by putting more pressure at the centre of the park but it was all in vain as ten minutes later, Laos went further in front.

Lamnao was again in the thick of the action when he capitalised on a defensive mistake to slot the ball home for the hosts to pick up their first full points in the group.

Laoseagames

Crowd spurs Laos to well earned Myanmar draw

2009-12-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

The collective voice of more than 20,000 spectators on Saturday at the National Stadium shouting “Lao sou sou!” (go, Laos, go!) carried Lao footballers to a well deserved draw in their match against Myanmar .

Supporters formed a sea of red, white and blue as they energetically waved Lao flags, beat on drums and hooted on horns.

The stadium was packed with groups of families and friends all cheering for their team as Lao footballers turned out for their tournament debut against former SEA Games silver medallists Myanmar .

Before the match began, the tide of goodwill and the surge of enthusiasm quickened the pulse of the national team as they stood for the national anthem and gazed around at the packed stands singing in unison.

After the match Lao Men's Football Team Manager Viphet Sihachackr made his delight clear and offered his thanks to Lao supporters for cheering the team on and boosting the spirits of his men at this vital game.

“The cheering spurred on our players to do their best against a tough opponent. In the end we only managed a 1-1 draw but we have to remember that Myanmar were the runners-up at the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007,” he said.

The team was also pleased at the evident enjoyment of the spectators.

After the match both coaches told press they would be playing five matches in the tournament but of course only one team from the group would secure a berth in the final.

Lao coach Alfred Riedl said he learnt a lot from the match and would use this as homework for the Lao squad. In general he was happy with the way the team played and glad that fans enjoyed the game so much.

“I will change from offensive to defensive because today's match showed up some mistakes in this area. I believe we can put on an even better display against Indonesia next week,” he said.

Myanmar coach Drago Mamic complained that the referee had not strictly followed competition rules and he was not happy with several of the decisions made during the game. But he congratulated the Lao footballers on their good play.

From the outset of the match Laos tried desperately to score and in the 5th minute got a free kick from the penalty area. But Kaysone Soukhavong's shot sailed over the crossbar. Laos had another opportunity in the 15th minute when Kaysone was faulted by a Myanmar defender and Lamnao Singto shot a free kick which curved towards the net but was saved by the Myanmar goalkeeper.

As hungry as Laos was to score, they couldn't find the back of the net. Meanwhile, Myanmar was counter-attacking and tried equally hard to get through the Lao defence without success.

In the 32nd minute Myanmar striker Tun Tun Win took control of the ball and wove his way through the Lao defenders. He powered the ball towards the goal but it soared over the crossbar.

In the 40th minute Myanmar defender Khin Maung Lwin fouled Lamnao. Kaysone took the free kick for Laos but the Myanmar goalkeeper deftly pushed the ball away from the net. The away team pummelled the goal mouth until Kyaw Thiha put his team on the scoreboard at 1-0.

In the second half, Laos tried their best to score but the Myanmar players put up a tough defence and the home side was unable to get the ball through.

Finally in the 69th minute Laos saw their name in lights when Kaysone passed the ball to Khampheng Sayavutthi and equalised. The 1-1 score remained the same until the final whistle.

In 2005 Laos beat Myanmar 3-2 at the 23rd SEA Games in the Philippines , but Myanmar improved their play and took the silver medal at the next SEA Games.

Also on Saturday, Singapore 's Muhammad Safuwan Bin scored first for Singapore in the 6th minute of their match with Indonesia , followed by Mohammad Shaiful Bin Esah Nain who made it 2-0 in the 23rd. But Stevie Bonsapia and Rendy pulled two back for Indonesia , levelling the score at 2-2.

Today, Laos will take on Indonesia and Singapore will face Myanmar in matches at the Chao Anouvong Stadium starting at 3pm.

December 6:

Vietnam vs. Malaysia (3-1)

Cambodia vs. Timor Leste (4-1)

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

HOSTS LAOS THE DARK HORSE IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

2009-12-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

Laos will be the dark horse in the women’s championship when their SEA Games event kick-off tomorrow at the National University Stadium. The women’s football matches will begin with Malaysia taking onn Thailand while Laos will play Myanmar. Phouvanh Vongsouthi, the president of the Laos Football Federation (LFF) expressed his confidence that the team will be able to at least put up some resistance against the likes of defending champions Thailand, silver medallists Vietnam, fast-improving Myanmar and Malaysia.

As opposed to the men’s game which is restricted to players under the age of 23-years-old, the women’s game is open to the full senior side. “There are only five teams taking part, so the tournament will be competitive,” said Phouvanh.

“We are confident based on their progress thus far, so I think that we will have an outside chance of making making the medals.”

With only five teams taking part, they will be competing on a roun-robin basis to decide the gold medal winners. In the meantime, Vietnam will be anxious to reclaim the gold they loss in Korat two years ago.

What made the loss more painful was the fact that Vietnam had been winning the women’s football gold medal since 2001 and only surrendered it to the Thais at their own turf.

But head coach Chen Yun Fat feels confident that they can be back at the top of the podium considering their recent win of the International Women’s Football Tournament TKV 2009 when they beat Thailand 2-0.

“There is only one aim and that is to win back the gold medal we lost two years ago,” added Yun Fat, whose team also went to Japan for training in preparation for their SEA Games onslaught.

laosoc

Lao footballers take on Myanmar in first match

2009-12-03T17:24:00.000-08:00

Both men's and women's football teams will play their first matches against Myanmar , which has proved in past SEA Games competitions to be a formidable opponent.

The matches will take place on December 3 and 5 at the National University of Laos stadium and the National Stadium.

Lao Men's Football Team Manager Viphet Sihachakr said yesterday he thought his team would play five matches in the tournament because the players were well prepared both in terms of training and fitness.

“ Myanmar is a strong SEA Games team. They were runners-up at the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007 but that's in the past. Today I believe our athletes can do better than before due to our experience from the many test matches we played,” he said.

Lao footballers lost many tournaments in the run-up to the 25th SEA Games. But coaches and team assistants have worked hard to improve the players' skills and the team manager has confirmed the team's performance is already 30 percent better since their last match.

“One thing we have to remember is that playing at home we have an advantage because our supporters will be cheering us on, just as they did at the 4-Nations Football Tournament. I was delighted to see so many Lao fans in the stadium all shouting for us. This is just great for our players,” Mr Viphet said.

He asked football fans to continue to cheer on the players, saying their support would make them stronger and better able to fight for their country.

Lao hopes are also riding with the women's football team.

Lao Women's Football Team Manager Ms Valy Vessaphong said she had asked Myanmar to send a team for a friendly game in Laos before the SEA Games but they declined, saying they were too busy.

“This will be a big match because we've never met them since we lost to them 0-6 at the 24th SEA Games. But now things are different. Our players have improved and are ready for their first match,” Ms Valy said.

She said Myanmar might not be aware of how much the Lao team had improved and Laos also didn't know, but the match would be the true testing ground.

After today's match against Myanmar , the women's team will play Thailand on December 8, Malaysia on December 11 and Vietnam on December 13. December 16 will be the final day of the tournament.

Matches will take place at the National University of Laos and the Chao Anouvong Stadium.

The men's football team begins its campaign tomorrow against Myanmar and will face Indonesia on December 7 and Singapore on December 10 at the National Stadium and Chao Anouvong Stadium.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Vientianetimes

Lao footballers have tough road ahead

2009-12-02T23:25:00.000-08:00

It's apparent this year’s SEA Games will be no walkover for any of the football teams, men’s or women’s, given the line-up in the draw. In the men’s draw there are just eight teams taking part because Brunei and the Philippines are not entering either a men’s or women’s team this year, according to the Asean Football Federation. In the first round stage defending champion Thailand has been drawn in Group A alongside Vietnam, Malaysia, Timor Leste and Cambodia.

Hosts Laos have been drawn in Group B along with Myanmar, Singapore and Indonesia. In the 2007 SEA Games, Laos achieved a goalless draw with Singapore before being soundly beaten 0-4 by Malaysia and then losing 1-2 to Vietnam. The Lao men’s football team will begin their campaign at this year’s SEA Games on Saturday when they face Myanmar, who took the silver medal at the 2007 SEA Games.

This match will take place on Saturday at 17:45 at the National Stadium. Other matches will pit Laos against Indonesia on December 7 and against Singapore on December 10. Both of these games will be played out at the Chao Anouvong Stadium, with the kick off at 17:45. Football experts predict that Thailand is the most likely choice for a semifinal berth in Group A.

This would be no surprise since they have taken the gold medal in men’s football for the last eight editions of the SEA Games since 1993. However, Laos is also a favourite for the semifinals from Group B because they have the home crowd advantage. The competition is tough this year but local fans are full of hope that Laos will make the semifinals stage, due to the strength of emotion pouring out from a million hearts.

There is no doubt the thunderous cheers of spectators are very important in boosting the players’ morale and confidence. Asean Football Federation records dating back to 1959 show Laos reached the semifinals in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, after other results went their way.

Myanmar took gold in the event after defeating Vietnam in the final. Thailand took the bronze medal after they beat Laos 5-2 in the third place play-off. At that time the games were known as the Southeast Asian Peninsula Games (SEAP Games). Since the name was changed to the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 1977, Laos has never reached the semi-finals. It was not until the 2003 SEA Games that a Lao women’s team entered any international competition.

Their first steps into sporting water were hesitant and the team eventually withdrew because it was felt the players lacked the experience to compete in such a major event. Lao women finally made their SEA Games debut in 2007 in Thailand, when they reached the semi-finals on goal difference after a 2-2 draw against the Philippines, but lost to Vietnam 1-4, while the Philippines lost 0-10 to Vietnam.

In the semi-finals, Laos lost 0-8 to host Thailand, while in the bronze medal match they went down 0-5 to Myanmar. It’s anybody’s guess what the outcome of this year’s line-up will be for either men or women.

This is football, and everything depends on the ball getting past the keeper into the net and teams making the most of their chances. There’s no knowing the result until the final whistle blows.

Vientianetimes

LAST GASP PENALTY DENY THAILAND FULL POINTS IN 25TH SEA Games

2009-12-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

A last-minute penalty denied defending champions Thailand the full points when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Vietnam in the second match of Group A of the men’s football event at the Main Stadium of the National Sports Complex. In front of a sell-out crowd dominated by a sea of boisterous Vietnames fans in red, both Thailand and Vietnam displayed fast, attacking football from the very first whistle. At times, their enthusiasm borders on the physical which referee Pratap Singh from India did not hesitate to stem out with several yellow cards in the first half alone.

It was Thailand who got the first look at goal in the fourth minute when Arthit Sunthorphit blasted in from the right only to miss the far post. Six minutes later, a header from lanky captain Kiatprawut Sawaeo went inches over the cross bar.

It was to be the two central defenders for Thailand - Kiatprawut and Suttinun Chekhov - who made the difference as they easily cut off the darting runs from Vietnam striker Hoang Dinh Tung. The score at the break was 0-0.

It was Vietnam who started off stronger into the second half with the hard working captain Pham Thanh Luong pulling the action from the centre of the park. In the 64th minute, Thanh Luong’s incisive pass was wasted by Dinh Tung, who ballooned his effort with only Thai keeper Kawin Thamsatchanan to beat. Thailand then replied with an effort from Khapfa Boonmatoon in the 61st minute but his shot from the edge of the Vietnam box was blocked by a recovering defender.

And while Vietnam’s attempt from a free kick came off the wall, it was Thailand who silenced the crowd in the 72nd minute when striker Kirati Keawsombut pounced on a mistake from Vietnam keeper Bui Tan Truong to take the lead.

But as Thailand wound down for what they thought would be their first three points of the competition, Vietnam’s win of a penalty right at the end of the game turned the game around.

Thai defender Sutjarit Jantakol was faulted for bringing down Dinh Tung inside the box and the latter did not hesitate from the spot as he sent Kawin the wrong way for Vietnam’s first point in the group.

ROUSING START FOR MALAYSIA in 25th SEA Games football match

2009-12-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

Malaysia gave a rousing start to their campaign in Group A of the men’s football event when they thrashed Timor Leste 11-0 in the first official competitive match that was played at the Main Stadium of the National Sports Complex. For Timor Leste, they just can’t seem to pull things together as captain Joao Paulo Da Silva tried hard to push forward but without support, he was not going to get far. The afternoon heat did not seem to bother the Malaysians one bit as they started off strongly by scoring their first goal of the game through Norshahrul Idlan Talaha in the third minute off a long pass from captain Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak.

They then doubled their lead in the 12th minute when off a Ahmad Fakri Saarani’s cross from the right, the waiting Badrol Bakhtiar blasted it home. The two goals gave the Malaysians the impetus to slow down the game somewhat but it did not in any way hinder their desire for more goals.

Striker Mohd Aidil Zaquan Abdul Razak grabbed the third goal of the game in the 15th minute, as Safiq Rahim then made the score sheet with the fourth in the 28th minute. Two minutes later, Norshahrul then scored his second of the evening as Ahmad Fakri beat the offside trap in the 41st minute for the Malaysians to take a 6-0 lead at the half.

The break step off the gas in the second half with head coach K. Rajagobal making several substitutions.

They only got going with further goals only in the 58th minute when Aidil Zafuan headed in the corner from Safiq before Ahmad Fakri completed his hat-trick with two quick strikes in the 76th and 77th minute to put the Malaysians 9-0 in front.

Substitute Amirulhadi Zainal (80th minute) and Amar Rohidan (90th minute) then got into the scoring act with two goals in the closing stages for the final scoreline.

SEA Games Laos

Thailand vs Vietnam in SEA Games 2009

2009-12-01T01:25:00.000-08:00

The hugely anticipated football match between Thailand and Vietnam will feature on the first day of the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane tomorrow. Kick-starting the event will be a match between Malaysia and Timor Leste, before the competition’s heavyweights take to the field. Vietnamese footballers were the first arrivals of the thousands athletes participating in the games, touching down before the football teams from Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Vietnamese Coach Henrique Calisto said Saturday’s match with Thailand will be the biggest for his team, given the strength of their opponents.

“Just win, just lose or just draw, we still don’t know, but we will do our best in the match,” said the Portuguese coach. “The last time we met them recently ended in a draw, so we don’t know what will happen on Wednesday.” While the Vietnamese team is hopeful of matching up to Thailand, the Thai team believe they can show their supremacy in the first match. Thai Coach Stephen Darby said on Sunday his team was preparing perfectly and was confident of winning the match.

“We believe our players can get a result on Wednesday, and we’d like to be playing again on the final day of the SEA Games.”

The men’s football teams are divided into two groups. Group A comprises Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Timor Leste and Cambodia, while Group B consists of Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Indonesia.

Hosts Laos counting on the 12th men for the champion in football

2009-12-01T01:20:00.000-08:00

Hosts Laos will be counting on the 12th man or rather home support to carry the team through when they open their campaign in Group B of the SEA Games this Sunday against Myanmar. Team manager Viphet Sihachak said that base on the attendance during the pre-SEA Games in early October, he is confident that Laos can pick up their first three points of the competition.

“We are very sure that the fans will come and support the team just like they did during the pre-SEA Games. And furthermore, football is the main event of the SEA Games and everyone want to do well,” said Viphet after the team managers’ meeting this morning.

“We showed during the pre-SEA Games that we can build a competent team and while we may be up against the silver medallist, I still believe that we can win the full points.

“I know that the other countries have offered high rewards in winning the gold medal, we will do the same at the appropriate time.”

To show their determination to put their best at the biennial championship, the Laos Under-23 side has been training for the more than a year under the sponsorship of Vietnamese club Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL).

And while their results at the BIDC Cup in Phnom Penh where they finished fourth behind Cambodia, HAGL and Vissai Ninh Binh was unflattering, Viphet said that things must be put in perspective.

“At the pre-SEA Games, it was a full competitive match while the BIDC Cup is more of a series of friendlies,” added Viphet.

“Furthermore, the team will welcome the return of midfielder Kampheng (Sayyavutthi), who has been out with a knee injury for quite some time.

“So we are confident of the team.”

Time table of Women football match of 25th SEA Games

2009-11-26T21:53:00.000-08:00

The schedule of Women football match of the 25th SEA Games in Laos is as follow:

2/12/2009 Arrival of all football teams
3/12/2009 Meeting of all team managers
4/12/2009 Malaysia vs Thailand (13:30) @ National University of Laos
Laos vs Myanmar (14:45) @ National University of Laos
6/12/2009 Thailand vs Myanmar (13:30) National University of Laos
Malaysia vs Vietnam (14:45) National University of Laos
8/12/2009 Myanmar vs Vietnam (13:30) National University of Laos
Laos vs Thailand (14:45) National University of Laos
11/12/2009 Laos vs Malaysia (13:30) National University of Laos
Thailand vs Vietnam (14:45) National University of Laos
13/12/2009 Laos vs Vietnam (15:40) Chaoanu stadium
Malaysia vs Myanmar (18:00) Chaoanu Stadium
16/12/2009 Final (16:00) Chaoanou stadium

Lao football coach puts faith in his players

2009-11-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

Lao U-23 Football Team Manager Viphet Sihachackr said yesterday that the team's experience in previous matches will mean they perform at their best in December.

“The test matches might have made people unhappy with our performance, because they think our team is hopeless and has lost to many other teams on previous occasions, but in fact the fans don't understand that we just used those games as practice for the real event in December,” he said.

Mr Viphet said his team didn't need to win those matches, rather they needed to get much more experience, so that after each match coach and team assistant could analyse the game and suggest how the footballers could improve their performance.

Since the tournament in Cambodia in early November, many Lao football fans have complained about the team not playing well enough.

Their complaints were heightened at the most recent match at Chao Anouvong on Tuesday when the Lao team lost 3-1 to Hoang Anh Gia Lia of Vietnam .

“Hoang Anh Gia Lia is an official sponsor of the 25th SEA Games, so they just wanted to send their football team to practice with our team.

“We learnt many things from them because they had many good players,” Mr Viphet said.

Mr Viphet said the team has been playing very well recently and is ready for their first SEA Games match on December 5 against Myanmar , the runner up at the 24th SEA Games in Thailand .

On December 7 the Lao team will face Indonesia and on December 10 they will take on Singapore in the quarterfinal of the SEA Games.

Mr Viphet said Myanmar is a strong contender but the Lao footballers would try their best to win.

“We will be the winner of the match.

“We know Myanmar is strong but because we are the host country we want to stay in the competition as long as possible,” he said.

Mr Viphet said he trusted the ability of his players after they had gained experience locally and abroad.

“We have spoken with other coaches about our athletes, who said they are improving even though they haven't had much time to practice. The Austrian coach said if the Lao team had more time, they would be really good,” he said.

The men's football teams will be divided into two groups. Laos will be in Group B along with Myanmar , Singapore and Indonesia , while in Group A Thailand will play against Vietnam , Malaysia , Timor Leste and Cambodia .

The women's teams will play in only one group, which comprises Malaysia , Thailand , Myanmar , Vietnam and Laos .

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

Results of the warm-up match between Laos U23 and HAGL vietnam

2009-11-24T04:10:00.000-08:00

Laos U23 team had their warm up match with HAGL club from Vietnam in preparation for the 25th SEA Games in Chao Anou football stadium, Vientiane.

In the first match which kicked off on Sunday 22nd November, Laos team trounced Vietnam 4:0. However, the match on 24th November, Vietnam hit back and won Laos with the score 3:1.

This will be the final warm up match for Laos U23 team.

In 25th SEA Games, Laos will first meet Myanmar on December 5th.

Lao U23 team has high chance of third place at SEA Games 2009

2009-11-23T00:19:00.000-08:00

Mr Veunsavanh Sivasay, the well-known former coach of the Lao national football team recently predicted that the Lao U23 football team has a high chance of passing into the second round of competition at the upcoming SEA Games and may even achieve third place. Mr Veunsavanh said there were two key reasons for his prediction.

“Laos is the host of the Games which gives us a home ground advantage and our team will get lots of support from the crowd who will cheer the players on with great spirit both inside and outside the stadium when they play,” said Mr Veunsavanh. “The Government and the National Sports Committee hired a professional coach, Alfred Riedl, an Austrian football manager and former player, to train the Lao football team. Over the past year, this has helped the Lao team develop their skills and technique in passing, ball control and has enhanced their understanding of the game.

“The Lao team achieved third place at the BIDC Cup football tournament in Cambodia and this was good practice for the team providing a chance to review the positive aspects of their game and identify areas for improvement before the real competition at the SEA Games,” said Mr Veunsavanh. He added that the competition is approaching soon but there is time for the team to improve and for the coach to work on a variety of offense techniques with Mr Lamnao Singto, a key striker in the Lao team.

Mr Veunsavanh mentioned the Lao defensive game should be played in the middle of the pitch to prevent their competitors from having possession as much as possible. “If we use this strategy, the hopes of the Lao people to see the Lao team reach the final four will come true,” he concluded.

Laos will take on Myanmar for the opening of football match in Group B

2009-11-19T03:45:00.000-08:00

The opening match in Group B football of the 25th SEA Games in Laos will be played on 5 December considering that they are only four teams in the group as against five teams in Group A.

The first match in Group B at the National Stadium will be Singapore taking on Indonesia while hosts Laos will play Myanmar, who were the silver medallist two years ago in Thailand.

GROUPINGS

Group A: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Timor Leste, Cambodia

Group B: Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia

FIXTURES

2 Dec (Main Stadium): Malaysia vs Timor Leste (1500hrs)/ Thailand vs Vietnam (1745hrs)

4 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Thailand vs Cambodia 1500hrs)/ Vietnam vs Timor Leste (1745hrs)

5 Dec (Main Stadium): Singapore vs Indonesia (1500hrs)/ Laos vs Myanmar (1745hrs)

6 Dec (Main Stadium): Vietnam vs Malaysia (1500hrs)/ Timor Leste vs Cambodia (1745hrs)

7 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Myanmar vs Singapore (1500hrs)/ Indonesia vs Laos (1745hrs)

8 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Timor Leste vs Thailand (1500hrs)/ Cambodia vs Malaysia (1745hrs)

9 Dec: Opening Ceremony

10 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Myanmar vs Indonesia (1500hrs)/ Laos vs Singapore (1745hrs)

11 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Cambodia vs Vietnam (1500hrs)/ Malaysia vs Thailand (1500hrs)

14 Dec (Chao Anu Vong Stadium): Semi-finals

17 Dec: Third/ Fourth Placing (1500hrs at Chao Anu Vong Stadium)/ FINAL (1700hrs at Main Stadium)

Lao women footballers to play test event before SEA Games

2009-11-17T16:58:00.000-08:00

The Lao Women's Football Federation will organise a final test event for its players on November 18-19 before the SEA Games get underway in December.

After conceding several goals at the International Women's Football Tournament held in Quang Ninh , Vietnam , last month, the team will play against a club from Chonbury province, Thailand , as a final test before the games.

Assistant coach Mr Viengsavanh Sengchanh accepted yesterday that his team was not as strong compared with the Thai and Vietnamese teams because they didn't practise before the tournament.

“We had left early hoping to practise in Vietnam for 10 days, but unfortunately there was a big storm in Vietnam then so for those 10 days we just ate and slept. We returned home for five days but the tournament organisers invited us to participate in the event so we decided to go ahead even though the players weren't fit,” he said.

After coming back from the tournament, the team starting practising hard by using the experience of the loss, and now they are getting better and are ready to take on the Thai team this month.

The squad has been training since April this year, and the federation invited countries in the region to a tournament in Champassak province. The Lao women were runners-up in the event.

“We have 25 players who are strong and ready to play in the SEA Games; I think they will be able to hold their heads high next month,” Mr Viengsavanh said.

The test event on November 18-19 will be another trial run for the Chao Anouvong and Dongdok stadiums to see if they are ready for the SEA Games.

“Fans can go to cheer the team for free during the competition on both days,” he said.

Mr Viengsavanh also explained that after the match the federation will continue with training and will select the final 20 players for the SEA Games.

“We promise we'll get one of the three medals for Laos ,” he said.

The women's football matches will be played in a group comprising Malaysia , Thailand , Myanmar , Vietnam and Laos .

“ Vietnam has the strongest team but we are trying our best,” Mr Viengsavanh said.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

Laos captain Kitsada names the most valuable player in BIDC Cup 2009

2009-11-17T03:25:00.000-08:00

Laos captain Kitsada was named the Most Valuable Player in the BIDC Cup 2009 in Phnom Phen, Cambodia. The final results of the BIDC Cup is as follow:

The winner: Cambodia U-23
Second: Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Vietnam
Third: Vissai Ninh Binh
Fouth: Laos U-23

Cambodia’s Samrith Seiha was voted the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper, and Evaldo Goncaves of HAGL collected the Top Scorer award.

Photo: roubroum.blogspot.com

Laos ranks bottom most in the AFC U-19 Group E

2009-11-11T17:06:00.000-08:00

Bangladesh drew 3-3 with Laos to finish fourth. Laos are bottom with one point, two behind fifth-placed Macau.

Korea Republic beat Thailand 2-1 on Wednesday as both teams qualified from Group E for the AFC U-19 Championship 2010 finals.

Vietnam put themselves in a strong position to claim the best third-placed berth in the finals from East Asia by beating Macau 3-0.

Korea Republic, Thailand and Vietnam all finished on 12 points with the Koreans topping the group on goal difference.

Thailand and Vietnam had exactly the same goals for and against of 9-2. However, the Thais claimed second place because of their 1-0 victory the Vietnamese on Sunday.

Korea Republic’s victory at the Royal Thai Army Stadium came courtesy of an 88th-minute Seo Hong-min goal. Earlier, the Thais went into half-time with a 1-0 lead after Chakrit Ravanprakon scored in the 21st minute.

Source: AFC

Watch the match of Laos vs Cambodia in BIDC Cup 2009

2009-11-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

You can now watch the match between Laos and Cambodia in the BIDC CUP 2009 Play in PhnomPenh, Kingdom of Cambodia. The host Cambodia wear in the blue Uniform, while Laos is in the red. Lamnao Singto from Laos got a red card, and in the end, Cambodia won Laos with the score 2:1. Check out the video clips from youtube.

Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IMtfHmTFlY

Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJeEyzzW5bs

Part III
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NMVp63MaoU

Part IV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AauWYiAblkU

Part V
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNtMgOkEmhs

Part VI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COTdygz0f3o

Final
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyyxehdM_5E

Cambodian U-23 beat Laos for the BIDC Cup

2009-11-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

The Cambodian U-23s beat their Laos counterparts 2-1 in their BIDC Cup match in Phnom Penh and go through to the two-team final to be played on Saturday with their second win of the competition. Goals from Keo Sokngorn and Nov Soseila sealed the result. It was a very tough game as Laos played very well in the 2nd half after Lamnao Singto got a red card, and the team being reduced to 10 men.

In another match, HAGL won Vissai Ninh Binh 3:0.

Laos will meet HAGL on 11 November 20093.

Table Standing is as follow:
1. Cambodia : 6 points (+2)
2. Hoang Anh Gia Lai : 3 points (+2)
3. Laos : 1 point (-1)
4. Vissai Ninh Binh : 1 point (-3)

Source: http://www.andybrouwer.co.uk/blog/

Lao military football team wins 2009 Number One Cup

2009-11-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

(KPL) The football team of the armed force of Champassak province of Laos has won the 2009 Number One Cup after defeating Vietnam ?s Binh Phuoc military team 2-1 on Nov. 5.

According to VNA, the Number One Cup is an international football tournament, for the armed forces in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. This year's event was held on Oct. 27-Nov. 5 with the participation of seven teams from Laos's Champassak and Savannakhet provinces, Cambodia's Kompong Thom and Stungtreng province, and Vietnam's Binh Phuoc province.The police team from Binh Phuoc province and Laos's Savannakhet team shared the third prize.

Player Phanthavong of Champassak who scored 10 goals during the tournament was presented the Best Scorer title and Hoang Dinh Ngoc of Binh Phuoc military team got the ?Best Goal Keeper.

On this occasion, the tournament's organising board presented six tonnes of rice to flood victims in Kompong Thom and Stungtreng provinces.

25th SEA Games football: a preview

2009-11-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

SEA Games: A Preview - Both Groups Present Challenges
There is no easy ride for anyone in the nine-nation tournament...

Whichever way it went, there are no longer easy grouping following the official draw announcement of the men’s football of the 25th SEA Games in Laos this morning.

Eight-times champions Thailand are in Group A alongside Vietnam, Malaysia, Timor Leste and Cambodia.In Group B are hosts Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Indonesia.

Brunei have been banned by FIFA while the Philippines are not putting up either men‘s or women‘s team at this year‘s SEA Games.

Indonesian team manager Demis Djamaoeddin said that there are no longer easy draw at the SEA Games with all the teams taking part well prepared.

“Unlike in the past, there are no teams which you can consider as minnows,” said Demis from Palembang.

“All the teams taking part take the championship seriously and they prepare their teams for months. We are no different.

“For us, it makes no different being in either group. They are all tough. We can only prepare our team as well as possible. The rest will be decided on the day.”

Singapore have been building up steadily towards the SEA Games where their recent 6-0 win over their counterparts from Cambodia proved that their formula in having their team - the Young Lions - have regular competition in the S-League is paying off.

They are currently playing in the VFF-Smartdoor Championship in Hanoi where they had conceded a 1-0 loss to the Vietnam U23 side in their opening match.The Young Lions then held the Thai U23 side to a 1-1 draw in their second match of the meet and will wrap up the competition by taking on China U23.

The Indonesians will be relying on the Uruguayan touch to carry the team through with the enlistment of Alberto Dica while for Laos, their win of the pre-SEA Games meet despite playing against U19 sides, will be an added incentive.

Add that to the expected home crowd, then Laos could just spring a surprise - or two.

Myanmar, through their recent formation of the Myanmar national league, have allowed their U23 players more playing time and with the expected four-nation tournament later this month, they will not be short of match experience.

At the very least, Myanmar will be looking at defending the silver they win two years ago in Thailand.

With the Thais again the firm favourites to defend their crown, Vietnam will be hoping that their win of the AFF Suzuki Cup last year will give them the confidence for the task ahead.

And certainly, the Vietnam U23 side seems to be oozing with confidence where this week, they picked up the VFF-Smartdoor Cup in Hanoi after beating Singapore U23 (1-0) and then China U23 (3-1).

They will play their final round robin match against Thailand U23 with the results being inconsequential to the end result.Malaysia as always remain the dark horse with head coach K. Rajagobal saying that they will be taking it one game at a time.

“It is a tough draw, but then there’s no way we can avoid it,” added Rajagobal.

“We will look at who we will play against first and take it from there.”

Cambodia will be playing in a four-team meet in Phnom Penh this week while for Timor Leste, they are certainly capable of delivering the goods.

Timor recently qualified for the final round of the AFC U16 championships after holding China to a draw and then beating Singapore in their qualifying matches.

At the AFF Under-19 championship in Ho Chi Minh City, they played well as a unit and was just unfortunate not to make the semi-finals.

“We are improving as a whole but it is still a step by step process,” said Timor Leste president Francisco Kalbuadi.

Source: http://goal.com/

Laos will put best foot forward, football manager pledges

2009-11-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

Lao team football manager Viphet Sihachackr has promised fans an exciting competition in the SEA Games, with the Lao team up against the second and third place winners from the last games.

It was revealed yesterday that Laos will compete against Myanmar , Singapore and Indonesia in group B of the men's football.

“ Myanmar was the runner-up while Singapore won third place in men's football in the 24th SEA Games in Thailand 2007. This year we will face them but I believe our footballers are better than during the previous games, so we will try our best to do well in this competitive round,” he said.

Mr Viphet said since the Lao U-23 squad has been training with an experienced coach from Austria since July, the team has improved and played in many matches.

“The team has played 11 matches since they have been training with this coach. They drew or won most of those matches including the 4-Nations Football Tournament, other friendly matches and last Sunday's match in Cambodia . There the team drew against a strong Vietnamese team, Vissai Ninhbin, at the Cambodia International Football Tournament BIDC Cup 2009 in Phnom Penh . This has made me confident they can do well at the big match in December,” he said.

The Lao team is competing in the tournament until this weekend and then they will return home to prepare for the games next month.

Mr Viphet said that during the competition in Cambodia , he told the team to save some energy because the SEA Games were only one month away. The competition draw was held at the Lao International Trade and Exhibition Convention Centre in Vientiane by 25th SEA Games Organising Committee officials and SEA Games Federation staff.

The draw covered the sports of badminton, water polo, football, sepak takraw, table tennis and volleyball.

The men's football teams will be divided into two groups. Laos will be in Group B along with Myanmar , Singapore and Indonesia , while in Group A Thailand will play against Vietnam , Malaysia , Timor Leste and Cambodia .

The women's teams will play in only one group, comprising Malaysia , Thailand , Myanmar , Vietnam and Laos.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

Laos to face host at football tournament in Cambodia

2009-11-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

The Lao men's football U-23 squad will play the home team in Phnom Penh , Cambodia , today at this year's Cambodian International Football Tournament BIDC Cup, which runs from November 8-14.

The opponents will be the same team Lao players will compete against at the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane next month.

The Lao team's assistant manager Prasatxay Philaphandeth said yesterday the team would use the match to study Cambodia 's style closely. “We just want to compare our playing style with their style, as this will be very valuable for our team.”

He added that on Sunday, Cambodia won over Hoang Anh Gia Lai of Vietnam 3-2, after the Vietnamese team led 2-0 in the first half.

“We haven't seen them play for a long time so the Sunday match could prove that they got better after they got an experienced football coach,” Mr Prasatxay explained.

He said the Cambodian team at tonight's match would use more long balls, which is different to the Lao team's style of play which favours short balls, so the match would determine which is the better method.

The first day of the tournament saw Laos draw 1-1 with Vissai Ninh Binh of Vietnam and Cambodia come out on top over Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

Mr Prasatxay said the Lao team was very good, but could only draw with the Vietnamese team.

He said the Vietnamese team had many international players. They committed so many fouls in the penalty area they got four yellow cards, but Laos didn't get any.

“There are no certainties in this game, but we have to make sure we win so we can be a good host of the SEA Games,” Mr Prasaxay said.

On November 10, Vissai Ninh Binh will play Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Cambodia will play Laos , while on November 12 Laos will play Hoang Anh Gia and Cambodia will play Vissai Ninh Binh.

The finals will take place on November 14.

The Cambodian website http://roubroum.blogspot.com/ reported that the tournament will be broadcast live on Cambodian TV5 starting at 3.30 pm.

The tournament champion will win US$20,000, the runner-up US$10,000 and third place will take US$5,000.

The footballer voted best player will get US$1,000, and the top scorer and best goalkeeper will each get US$1,000.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes
Photo: http://www.andybrouwer.co.uk

Groups identified for 25th SEA Games in Laos

2009-11-09T02:49:00.000-08:00

Photo: Lao U-23

The nine men’s football teams competing in the 25th Southeast Asian Games next month in Laos were divided into two groups via a drawing ceremony in Vientiane Nov. 9.

Group A has defending champions Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, East Timor and Cambodia. Hosts Laos are in Group B together with runners-up Myanmar, Singapore and Indonesia.

After the group stage, the top two teams of each group will go through to the semifinals.

Both the men’s football and the women’s football will take place in the Lao capital of Vientiane.

The men’s football will kick off on December 3 and the final is set for Dec. 17. The two venues are the 20,000-seat National Sports Complex stadium and the Chao Anouvong Stadium, also with the same seating capacity.

The men’s football is limited to U-23 teams in stead of the national squads.

The women’s football will start on Dec. 4 and finish on Dec. 14. The two venues are Chao Anouvong and the National University Stadium, which has only 6,000 seats. The five nation squads of Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam will play in a round-robin format. Then the top two teams will play the final.

Laos will be hosting the SEA Games next month for the first time. The opening ceremony is set for Dec. 9 and the closing ceremony scheduled on Dec. 18.

On Nov. 9, the SEA Games organizing committee also held draw for badminton, water polo, sepak takraw, table tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball

Laos draws with V Ninh Binh in BIDC Cup 2009 in Phnom Penh

2009-11-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

The eagerly-awaited Bank for Investment and Development of Cambodia (BIDC) Cup 2009 tournament kicked off on Sunday at Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh with four teams battling it out – the Cambodian and Laos Under-23 teams who will compete next month in the SEA Games in Laos, and two Vietnam League club sides, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) and Vissai Ninh Binh.

For the game between Laos and V Ninh Binh, Laos U23 team opened the score in just 18 minutes from a quick ball from a line developed from the mid-field, and it was Khampeng who made the first score for Laos.

Sayavuthi Khampeng scored the 1st goal of the BIDC Cup after 10 minutes for Laos U23s

Vietnam Ninh Binh team came behind with their first goal in the second half and this was the final goal in this match. U23 Laos had many opportunities to score more in the second half, but they could just not achieve it.

For the next match, Laos U23 will meet Cambodia on Tuesday 10th, November 2009.

S. Korea defeats Laos 6-0 in AFC U-19 championship qualifier

2009-11-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

SEOUL, Nov. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea defeated Laos 6-0 in a qualifying match of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under-19 championship held in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday.

Sunday's victory put South Korea at second place in Group E, which also includes Thailand, Vietnam, Macau and Bangladesh, according to the AFC.

Korea beat Bangladesh 5-0 and Macau 5-1, but suffered a surprising 0-1 defeat by Vietnam on Friday.

Korea will face Thailand on Wendesday in its last qualifying match for the AFC championship.

Thailand defeat Laos 1: 0 in U19 AFC

2009-11-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

Thailand U19 defeated Laos with a minor win of 1:0 at Rayal Thai Army stadium on November 3, 2009 in Bangkok.

In the previous match, Thailand won Macau 3-0, and Laos lost to Vietnam 1-4.

The AFC U19 championship of group E comprises of South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Bangladesh, and Macau.

Laos has to win for the remained 3 matches in order to qualify for the next round.

For the next match, Laos will take Macau on November 6, South Korea on the 8th, and Bangladesh on the 11th, at Royal Thai Army Stadium. The games will start from 16:30.

Laos will join Cambodian International Football Tournament BIDC Cup 2009

2009-11-03T05:09:00.000-08:00

AFF - Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) president Sao Sokha has launched the Cambodian International Football Tournament BIDC Cup 2009 which will see the participation of the Cambodian and Laos Under-23 sides and Vietnamese clubs Hoang Ann Gia Lai and Vissai Ninh Binh.

The inaugural tournament is slated for 8-14 November at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh Stadium.

Photo: Cambodian U-23

The tournament is sponsored by Bank for Investment and Development of Cambodia (BIDC) – a branch of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam – and is organised with cooperation of the football federations from the three neighbouring nations.

The tournament celebrates the 56th anniversary of Cambodian independence and strengthens friendship between Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

“Each team will meet each other once, with the top two (from points and goals scored) playing in the final for the trophy, while the other two play for third place. Local television network TV5 will broadcast the games live, with the opening and closing ceremonies also screened in Vietnam,” said Sao Sokha.

The Lao team will participate in the Cambodian International Football Tournament BIDC Cup 2009 from November 4-18 in Phnom Penh. "This tournament will be more important than the match with Thailand this weekend because Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Vissai Ninh Binh are top teams in the Vietnamese league. Our players will have to raise the level of their game to face up to professional footballers like that," he said.

Mr Viphet said the forthcoming matches were a strategy to improve the team by pitting them against stronger teams so they could learn from the experience ahead of the SEA Games. In Cambodia, the tournament schedules are as follows:

Vissai Ninh Binh vs Laos and Hoang Anh Gia Lai vs Cambodia on November 8,
Vissai Ninh Binh vs Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Cambodia vs Laos on November 10,
Laos vs Hoang Anh Gia and Cambodia vs Vissai Ninh Binh on November 12.

The finals will take place on November 14.

The champions will receive gold medals and USD 20,000, with the runners-up pocketing USD 10,000, and third-place team USD 5,000. The player of the tournament, the top scorer and the best goalkeeper will each receive USD 1,000.

The tournament will be broadcast live on Cambodian TV5 starting at 3.30 pm.

Laos U-23 sinks Thailand FA in their home soil

2009-11-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

VIENTIANE – Laos U-23s continued their preparations for December’s SEA Games with a 1-0 defeat of Thailand FA Cup winners Thai Port in a friendly match at the Chao Anouvong Stadium.

Thailand-based striker Lamnao Singto, who scored three times during Provincial Electricity Authority’s 2009 AFC Cup campaign, netted the only goal of the game in the 29th minute, although the margin of victory could have been greater had Dao Khodsaiya not saw his 66th minute penalty saved by Thai Port keeper Chalermkiat Sombutpan.

Laos next head to Phnom Penh for the four-team Cambodian International Football Tournament BIDC Cup, which takes place from November 4 to 14.

In addition to Alfred Riedl’s side and Cambodia’s U-23s, the tournament also features Vietnamese teams Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Ninh Binh.

Source: AFC

Laos in group E of the AFC U-19 championship

2009-11-03T02:53:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Three groups get underway their qualifying quest for the AFC U-19 Championship 2010 Sunday (today).

Group B, which comprises the UAE, Syria, Qatar, Bahrain and Sri Lanka, play at the Al Qatara Stadium in Al Ain, UAE. Bhutan’s pull-out reduced this group to five teams.

Also moving into action are Group E with Korea Republic, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Macau and Bangladesh vying for a place in the Finals. The matches take place at the Royal Thai Army Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Group G, which consists of China, DPR Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Guam and the Philippines, also start playing today at the Zibo Sports Centre in Zibo, China.

A total of 40 teams are involved in qualifying action. There are five groups of six teams and two groups of five teams.

The winner and runners-up of each group will advance to the tournament proper, which will be held next year at an as yet undecided venue. One best third-placed team from the West Zone and one best third-placed team from the East also qualify for the Finals.

Source: AFC

Laos took third place in the International Women’s Football Tournament

2009-11-03T01:48:00.000-08:00

Laos took third place in the International Women’s Football Tournament after beating Coal and Minerals 2-1 in Quang Ninh province’s Cua Ong stadium yesterday, October 22. As the host, Coal and Minerals needed only a draw to fulfil their goal of being in the top three.

Laos were totally transformed as a team when they chose to go on the attack. Their tactic almost paid off in the eighth minute of the match when Sophavanh Phayvanh fired a shot over goalkeeper Nguyen Thanh Hao but it hit the right upright.

A clear chance missed inspired the visitors, who will host the Southeast Asian Games later this year.

After that near miss, they wasted no time launching another attack.

Laos were given a free kick on the right wing after Vietnamese defenders brought down a Lao striker. The free kick unsettled Viet Nam’s Dang Thi Ly, who in trying to head the ball away scored an own goal in the 10th minute.

It was Ly’s second own goal of the tournament. She scored an own goal in the opening match of the tournament on October 16 against Thailand.

It was also Laos’ first goal of the tournament.

Head coach Doan Minh Hai rotated Bui Thi Phuong, Vu Thi Lanh, Le Thi Hien and Le Thi Hoai Thu to test Lao goal keeper Chulapan but she was more than up to the task until the host team scored five minutes after the break.

Phuong received a perfect pass from Vu Thi Hien before making a solo run from midfield to the penalty area and levelling the score.

The host team began to take control of the game and Phuong, Tuyet and Thua created a number of chances, but they all went unconverted.

In the 75th minute, Phuong came face-to-face with Chulapal but the Vietnamese’s shot was too light and was easily saved.

Chulapal then made a great throw to start a counter-attack by Phayvanh who fired a shot into the right corner.

Laos took three points from the game and pocketed VND20 million (US$1,450) for coming third. Coal, who finished in second place last year, ended the tournament with three losses.

The final match of the tournament today is between the national teams of Viet Nam and Thailand. The winner of the game will take the trophy and a cash prize of VND40 million ($2,900). The runners-up will get VND30 million.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News

Vietnam trounces Laos 4:1 in AFC U-19

2009-11-03T01:45:00.000-08:00

BANGKOK: Korea Republic kicked off the AFC U-19 Championship 2010 Group E qualifiers in fine style with a 5-0 victory over Bangladesh at the Royal Thai Army Stadium on Sunday.
Lee Jae-gwan, Lee Hak-min (two), Jang Hyun-soo and Suk Hyun-jun were on target for the Koreans, who led 4-0 at half-time.

Hosts Thailand also hit the ground running with a 3-0 victory over Macau, while Vietnam picked up three points by beating Laos 4-1.

Vaingan Visarut and Atthapol Thomma put Thailand 2-0 inside the first 17 minutes and Khamrin Natthawut added a third with nine minutes remaining.

Vietnam struck a triple blow near half-time to destroy Laos’ victory hopes at the Thai Japanese Stadium.

Nguyen Dinh Bao opened the scoring in the 43rd minute and hit Laos again a minute into first-half injury time. And just when Laos were desperate for the half-time whistle, Nguyen Hai Huy hit a third for Vietnam.

The Vietnamese added a fourth five minutes after the break before Laos could finally breach their opponents defences with Saysana Sopha scoring a consolation in the 59th minute.

The top two teams from all seven groups, along with the best third-placed teams from East and West Asia, qualify for next year’s AFC U-19 Championship 2010 finals.

http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-u19-championship-2010/25836-koreans-thais-and-vietnamese-triumph-in-group-e