Friday, July 04, 2003

Coaches see red as Malaysia edge Brunei

By RIZAL ABDULLAH

KUANTAN: Malaysia stayed in the hunt for a place in the final of the Asean Futsal Championship after a highly-charged 5-4 win over Brunei at the Sukpa Indoor Stadium here last night.

In a dramatic match, coaches Mohd Yunos Mohd Yusof of Brunei and Silvio Machado of Malaysia were red-carded and Brunei skipper Azmannuddin Gillen was also given the marching orders.

Malaysia now need to beat Indonesia tonight to get a shot at the title. The Indonesians were beaten 3-6 by unbeaten Thailand yesterday. It was Indonesia's first defeat in three matches.

There was plenty of drama in the match between Malaysia and Brunei. Mohd Yunos was the first to receive the red card in the 30th minute when he questioned Filipino referee Andres Jerry for giving Sumardi Mohd Taib the yellow card.

Azmannuddin, who was booked earlier, was the next to go when he questioned Singapore referee George Lee Kiok Heng on Sumardi's booking.

CHAOTIC: Brunei's goalkeeper Mohd Alli Othman fail to make a clean catch as Malaysia's Mohd Saiful (left) gets ready to pounce during their Asian Futsal Championship match Thursday. Malaysia won 5-4.

Machado was removed from the Malaysian bench in the 38th minute. He also questioned the referee's decision.

Brunei team manager Redzuan Abdullah said: “The referees spoiled an entertaining match. Some of the decisions made by the referees upset our rhythm and confidence.”

Malaysian team manager Bahwandi Hiralal also had some harsh words for the two referees.

“This is the first time in my life to see two coaches given the red cards. The referees should have used their tact to cool things down.”

On the pitch, the Malaysians simply lacked ideas.

Machado was a restless man, pacing up and down and shouting instructions to his players. He was also seen arguing with third referee Pidi Anang Suryana of Indonesia.

Against the run of play, Brunei stunned the homesters with a fourth minute goal by Sabtu Lupat.

Six minutes later, Malaysia equalised through Mohd Saiful Mohd Noor .

In the 13th minute, Malaysia went ahead for the first time when Addie Azwan Zainal flicked the ball home.

The Bruneians then capitalised on a blunder by substitute V. Morgan to make it 2-2 at half-time. Morgan lost possession of the ball to Azmannuddin and the latter set up Hardyman to slot the ball home.

But after the break, Malaysia regained their composure to lead 4-2 with Mohamad Feroz Abdul Karnim and Addie scoring in the 29th and 30th minutes respectively.

Brunei refused to give up. Hardyman reduced the deficit to 3-4 with a well taken shot in the 32nd minute. Khairol Anwar made it 4-4 for Brunei in the 36th minute.

Feroz then came to Malaysia's rescue, slamming home the winner in the 38th minute.

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Coaches see red as Malaysia edge Brunei