Chonburi make great escape against Frenz United Malaysia

JANDA BAIK (2 JULY 2014): Frenz United Malaysia blew away a good lead and a great chance of burying Chonburi FC in the Asia Champions Trophy (ACT) Under-16 Group B match but instead allowed the Thais to steal a point in this dramatic encounter which ended 1-1 at Frenz Stadium in Janda Baik, Pahang on Saturday.

It was a match that the Malaysians were bent on turning the tide around this time after defending champions Chonburi pulled off a sensational 4-3 win in the first leg encounter back home in the season opener on May 17.

Frenz United Malaysia went ahead in the 85th minute when Mohamed Akhmar Haiqal nodded on Abdul Rahman Ismawi’s freekick but the Thais got back on level terms through Saittichok Pasa powerful shot from the top of the box which denied the hosts of a great victory.

The Thais, however, will be without midfielder Kritsada Kaman against Guangdong FA (July 5) and Phnom Penh FC (July 12) as he was red-carded for vicious tackle on Hafizuddin Zuki a minute before equaliser.

Black Dragons coach Coach Matdinos Talib remained humble and hailed his defenders as having played their best match to date after seven weeks of action in the tournament which boasts of US100,000 prize money.

“It was a very good and tough game… though we should have won by more goals,” said coach Matdonis. “We held on well until a lapse in concentration at the very last minute saw the Thais equalise,” added Matdinos.

Frenz United Malaysia’s Aidiel Nur Iman (right) and Chonburi FC defender Kritsada Kaman challenge for the ball in the Asia Champion Trophy Under-16 Group B match at Frenz Stadium in Janda Baik, Pahang.

“Overall I am quite satisfied with performance of my players as we dominated the match but were very unlucky,” he added. Chonburi FC top the group with 17 points, Frenz United Malaysia stayed close on 16 while Phnom Penh Crown FC is a distant third with 10 points.

With three more weeks of action remaining, it is almost certain that Chonburi FC and Frenz United Malaysia have won passages into the home and away semi-finals (Aug 9 and Aug 16).

Withaya Laohakul, Head Coach of Chonburi FC, said: “Frenz United Malaysia is a very good side and it’s always tough against them. Though we were down by a goal, the determination shown by the players is very encouraging. We did a very good effort in this match and we will keep on working hard to win this Championship.”

In Group A, Harimau Muda Under-16 Malaysia blasted Singapore’s Home United FC 6-2, PVF Vietnam edged AIFF India 2-0 and Frenz United Indonesia overcame Timor Leste 2-0.

Despite the big win over the Singaporeans, the young tigers have positioned themselves in a precarious situation and chances of advancing into the semi-finals stage remains dicey.

The Vietnamese have build a strong lead at the top of the standings with 19 points following six wins and a draw while the young Tigers are a distant second on 14 points and shadowed closely by Frenz United Indonesia on 13 points.

Harimau Muda U-16 coach V. Balachandran’s boys face Timor Leste (July 5) before going into a faceoff with two tough home and away tough matches against leaders PVF (July 12 and July on 19). Defeats in both matches against the Vietnamese will open the game instead for Frenz United Indonesia to move into the semi-finals.

The Indonesians are just one point behind the Malaysians on 13 points.

RESULTS – Group A: Frenz United Indonesia 2 Timor Leste U-16 0; Home United Singapore 2 Harimau Muda U-16 Malaysia 6; PVF Vietnam 3 AIFF India 0.

Group B – Phnom Penh Crown FC Cambodia 2 Guangdong FA China 1; LAO Toyota Laos 0 Myanmar Academy FC 0; Frenz United Malaysia 1 Chonburi FC Thailand 1

FIXTURES – July 5 (Group A): Harimau U-16 Malaysia v Timor Leste U-16 (Frenz Stadium, Janda Baik 9.45pm); PVF Vietnam v Home United FC Singapore (Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chih Minh City); Frenz United Indonesia v AIFF India (Singaperbangsa Stadium, Kerawang)

Group B:  Myanmar Academy FC v Phnom Penh Crown FC Cambodia (Aung San Stadium, Yangon); LAO Toyota FC Laos v Frenz United Malaysia (National University Lao Stadium); Guangdong FA China v Chonburi FC Thailand (Guangdong People’s Stadium)

Group A – Standings

Group B – Standings

Frenz United Football Club

Frenz United Football Club (FUFC) is a non-profit organization founded to provide the opportunity for children to participate in youth football. The Frenz United Football Academy serves children between the ages of 13 – 18 from all over Malaysia, teaching them the values of teamwork, good sportsmanship, discipline, and self-respect, while also stressing the importance of academics. Frenz United Football Academy is dedicated to developing the best football players for the country. FUFC academy provides a stimulating, positive soccer experience for youth to develop and enhance their skills and passion for the game. For more information, please visit www.act.frenzunited.com.my

Released by Shekhinah PR on behalf of Frenz United Football Club

For further information please contact:

Christopher Raj
Shekhinah PR / 012 – 2161881
chris@shekhinah.my