Courtesy: The Borneo Bulletin


Brunei futsal team drawn into group with 11-time winners Thailand

December 29, 2016

by Fadhil Yunus

BRUNEI Darussalam face a daunting task in the upcoming 2016 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship after being drawn alongside 11-time winners Thailand, which will be held at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok from January 23-29.

The tournament was originally supposed to be held at the end of October this year but it was postponed by the Football Association of Thailand following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Brunei face a make-or-break encounter against Timor Leste in the opening game, their closest hope of replicating their finest result in the tournament when they sealed fourth place in the 2001, 2005 and 2008 editions.

With only three teams in Group ‘A’ largely caused by the withdrawal of Vietnam and Singapore, a win in the opening group game from either side could skyrocket into the semi-finals given that Thailand are expected to top the group.

The only other winners in the tournament, Indonesia, have been drawn in Group ‘B’ alongside Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos.

The Wasps recorded their sole victory over Singapore in the last edition though the latter were returning from a 13-year absence and also matched Timor Leste despite ending in defeat.

Brunei also have memories of their 12-2 hiding at the hands of Thailand in the previous edition.

While Brunei’s full squad is yet to be released, Malaysia news agency Bernama have released the confirmed futsal squad players of the Malaysia national futsal team who will be taking part in the 13th edition of the AFF Futsal Championship.

The report highlighted that Malaysia national futsal coach Chiew Chun Yong is hoping that seven youngsters – all below the age of 22 – will be firing in all cylinders.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com