Timor Leste dent U-19 squad’s hopes for semis spot

PETALING JAYA: Timor Leste put a dent in Malaysia’s bid to qualify for the semi-finals of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Championship with a shock 3-2 win at the Youth Football Training Centre (YTFC) in Hanoi.

Malaysia were in the driver’s seat to qualify for the semi-finals from Group A after two straight wins – thrashing the Philippines 5-0 and edging Singapore 2-1. And coach Frank Bernhardt’s side would have been the first to qualify if they had beaten Timor Leste yesterday.

Timor Leste started brightly with Frangcyatma Ima Keli putting his side ahead with goals in the 32nd and 36th minutes. Malaysia reduced the deficit before the breather through Muhd Jafri Chew in the 44th minute.

In the 58th minute, Muhd Danial Ashraf Abdullah put Malaysia on level terms with a thunderous shot from the top of the box but Gelvanio Alberto restored Timor Leste’s lead after punishing the Malaysian defence in the 71st minute.

Malaysia assistant coach Aminuddin Hussein said poor preparations led to their unexpected defeat.

“We did not have any training before coming here, so what do you expect?” lamented Aminuddin.

“We have some problems with injuries and that has forced us to make changes in the lineup. We have the technical ability but the consistency was not there.”

The battle for the top two slots will go down to the wire with four teams still in contention.

They are Vietnam (seven points), Malaysia (six), Timor Leste (six) and Singapore (four). Winless the Philippines are out of the race.

Malaysia will take on Vietnam tomorrow while Singapore face Timor Leste.

Defending champions Thailand and Australia are the frontrunners in Group B with six points each.