Eriksson off to winning start
Azkals beat Singapore, Indonesia defeat Timor
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson began his reign as coach of the Philippines with a 1-0 home win over Singapore in the AFF Suzuki Cup last night.
In yesterday’s other Group B game of the Southeast Asian championship, hosts Indonesia defeated Timor Leste 3-1.
Thailand lead the group on three points from one game thanks to their superior goal difference.
Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines also have three points each while Timor Leste are still chasing their first point.
At Bacolod, Patrick Reichelt scored the winner for the Philippines in the 78th minute in Eriksson’s first match as coach of the Azkals.
The former Lazio, Manchester City and Leicester City manager was appointed coach of the Philippines a few weeks ago.
His assistant is Scott Cooper, the former coach of Thai League 1 champions Buriram United.
At Jakarta, after a scoreless first half, Timor, who were hammered 7-0 by Thailand in their opening game, stunned the hosts when Rufino Walter Gama opened the scoring in the 48th minute.
Indonesia then regrouped and scored three unanswered goals through Alfath FAthier (60th minute), Stefano Lilipaly (69) and Beto (82).
In Group A are Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
Malaysia have six points from two games, while Myanmar and Vietnam each have three points from one match.
Cambodia and Laos each have two defeats and are still looking for their first point.
The top two teams of each group advance to the semi-finals to be played over two leg earlier next month. The twolegged final will also take place next month.
In Bangkok, Football Association of Thailand president Somyot Poompunmuang yesterday gave moral support to his players ahead of their match against Indonesia at Rajamangala National Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Milovan Rajevac’s men began the defence of their Suzuki Cup title with a comfortable 7-0 win against Timor Leste with striker Adisak Kraisorn scoring six goals.
Pol Gen Somyot visited the Thai team’s training camp at Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi hotel yesterday.
“I am here to check whether there is any problem at the training camp,” he said.
“From my talks with the coach and players, everything is good. We do not have any injured player. Everybody is ready to play against Indonesia. The team’s spirit is excellent. They are looking forward to bringing happiness to the Thai people.
“I am confident that we can beat Indonesia. It is reported that Indonesian fans want more tickets so our fans should go to the stadium and support the national team.”
Thailand beat Indonesia in the twolegged final to win the 2016 Suzuki Cup. The War Elephants have won the title a record five times.
Tickets for Saturday’s match are priced at 100-600 baht and available at Thai Ticket Major outlets.