Laos 3-1 Brunei: the first match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup

The FIFA ASEAN Cup began with a Laos win. They beat Brunei 3-1 at Mong Kok Stadium in Hong Kong on 24 September, in the first match of a tournament being played for the first time.

Three goals, and an early penalty

FIFA’s report of the Group A tie has captain Bounphachan Bounkong scoring from the penalty spot inside the opening four minutes, after a foul on Damoth Thongkhamsavath.

Xayasith Singsavang made it two on 24 minutes, finishing a pass from Phoutthavong Sangvilay, and Brunei replied through Haziq Naqiuddin Syamra at 45+1’. Bounxai Xernvanglieng settled it in the 67th minute, turning in the rebound after Bounphachan’s shot was parried.

FIFA describes the winners as a youthful side and their coach as Vladica Grujic.

What the result is worth

Kick-off was at 17:00 Malaysian time, which made this the earlier of the two Division 2 matches at the same ground that day. Three points from the first of three group games is the most a side can take from an opening night, and it is worth more here than in a longer league: Division 2’s groups are settled over three matches, not a season.

Both sides play again this week

Laos travel to Kai Tak Stadium to meet Hong Kong, China on 27 September, kicking off at 15:00 Malaysian time.

Brunei have longer to wait. Their second match is against the same hosts on 30 September at 20:00, at the same ground, and it closes Group A.

In Division 1, Harimau Malaya start against Bangladesh in Jakarta.

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