Kelantan defender S. Subramaniam is likely to miss Malaysia’s campaign in the AFF Suzuki Cup because of a serious knee injury. He sustained the injury in Kelantan’s victory over Armed Forces in the Malaysia Cup final last Saturday. Subramaniam has been a rock at the heart of Kelantan’s defence this season as they roared to the domestic treble and was named in Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal’s preliminary squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup. http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/subra-sidelined-by-knee-injury
Thailand to play warm up games on the following: 7.11 Thailand - Malaysia 14.11 Thailand - Bhutan 18.11 Thailand - Bangladesh With this being Thailand, expect opponents to change/games not played. Games to be played at SCG Stadium or Thai-Japanese Stadium
Probably not although the PFF is hoping he might be available for a game or two at least starting in the semifinal stage if they make it that far. Schrock himself said his chances of being released is not looking good. They are still awaiting the final word from his club.
Paing and Ko Ko named in Myanmar squad by AFF Suzuki Cup on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 5:10am · http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/paing-and-ko-ko-named-in-myanmar-squad Veteran forward Yan Paing and hotshot teenage striker Kyaw Ko Ko have been included in Myanmar’s preliminary 35-man squad for the Final Round of the AFF Suzuki Cup after missing out on the Qualification Round because of injury. Myanmar coach Park Sung-hwa will be hoping that the pair can recover from their injuries before the Group A opener against Vietnam on November 24 after lamenting the lack of striking options available to him during the qualifiers in Yangon earlier this month. While Myanmar finished top of the qualification group with 10 points from four games, they will face much tougher opposition during the Final Round when they come up against Vietnam, hosts Thailand and the Philippines in Bangkok. Paing, 30, would bring a wealth of experience to Park’s youthful side. He made his debut in the Asean Football Championship in 2002 and played a big role for his country when they reached the semi-finals for the first and, so far, only time two years later. Meanwhile, Ko Ko appears to be a star in the making after the 19-year-old scored five goals for Myanmar in last year’s South-East Asian Games to help them to take the bronze medal. Right winger Nyi Nyi Min was the only player from the Qualifying Round squad who was not included in the 35-man list as Park added 16 players to his squad in preparation for next month’s tournament. Meanwhile, Laos’ 35-man squad featured all 20 of the players that were in the team that finished runners-up behind Myanmar in the Qualification Round. While the majority of the new call-ups were youngsters, coach Kokichi Kimura did include a couple of older players – Vientiane defender Souksamay Manhmanyvong and Yotha midfielder Kita Sysavath, both 26. Laos will play in Group B in Kuala Lumpur. They will meet Indonesia in their opener on November 25 before they face defending champions Malaysia and three-time winners Singapore. Myanmar squad Goalkeepers Thiha Si Thu (Ayeyawady United), Myo Min Latt (Zeyarshwemyay), Kyaw Zin Phyo (Magway), Pyaye Phyo Aung (Southern Myanmar) Defenders Thein Than Win (Kanbawza), Pyaye Phyo Aung (Yangon United), Zaw Min Tun (Magway), Aung Hein Kyaw (Zeyarshwemyay), Moe Win (Naypyidaw), Aung Thaik (Yangon United), Aung Zaw (Hantharwady United), Yan Aung Win (Yangon United), Thet Naing (Yadanarbon), Khin Mayng Tun (Yadanarbon), Han Win Aung (Kanbawza), Ye Win Aung (Yadanarbon), Phyo Ko Ko Thein (Ayeyawady United) Midfielders Pai Soe (Yadanarbon), Zaw Zaw Oo (Ayeyawady United), Aung Moe (Hantharwady United), Khin Maung Lwin (Yangon United), Aung Myint Tun (Hantharwady United), Yan Aung Kyaw (Yangon United), Kyi Lin (Yangon United), David Htan (Yangon United), Naing Lin Oo (Ayeyawady United), Soe Kyaw Kyaw (Yadanarbon) Forwards Yan Paing (Yadanarbon), Kyaw Zayar Win (Kanbawza), Yaza Win Thein (Yangon United), Kaung Si Thu (Yangon United), Kyaw Ko Ko (Zeyarshwemyay), Soe Min Oo (Kanbawza), M.A. Naing (Kanbawza) Laos squad Goalkeepers Sengphachan Bounthisanh (Vientiane), Soukthavy Soundala (Ezra), Khampoumy Hanevilay (Vientiane), Sengathit Somvang (Police), Souvanpheng Phanthavong (Police) Defenders Khamla Pinkeo (Police), Kovanh Namthavixay (Army), Saynakhonevieng Phommapanya (Yotha), Odien Syharlas (Yotha), Souksamay Manhmanyvong (Vientiane), Thenthong Phonsettha (Police), Chanthala Phetthavanh (Ezra), Saychon Khunsamnam (Police), Sousadakone Liepvisay (Yotha), Ole Bousaath (Police) Midfielders Thotnilath Sibounhuang (Vientiane), Phonepaseuth Sysoutham (Vientiane), Daoneua Siviengsay (Vientiane), Viengsavanh Sayyaboun (Army), Khonesavanh Sihavong (Police), Soukaphone Vongchiengkham (Krabi/THA), Keoviengpheth Lithideth (Police), Kanlaya Sysomvang (Khonkaen/THA), Ketsada Souksavanh (Nongkhai/THA), Vilayout Sayyabounsou (Ezra), Phatthana Syvilay (Yotha), Khouanta Sivongthong (Police), Sompng Manivanh (Yotha), Chanthaphone Waenvongsoth (Yotha) Forwards Visay Phaphouvannin (Vientiane), Khampheng Sayavutthi (Khonkaen/THA), Sopha Saysana (Nongkhai/THA), Khanthavong Sitthideth (Yotha), Kita Sysavath (Yotha), Xaisongkham Champathong (Yotha)
Avramovic’s squad dominated by Lions XII players by AFF Suzuki Cup on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 4:30am · Singapore have named their 35-man preliminary squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup which features 18 players from the Lions XII, the island republic’s representative side in Malaysia’s domestic league and cup competitions. There were no surprises in the squad submitted for the Final Round of the tournament as coach Radojko Avramovic, who is set to lead the Lions at the Asean Football Championship for the fifth time, largely kept faith with the players that he utilised during their recent international friendly against India. Team captain Shahril Ishak missed that game with a knee injury but the attacking midfielder has been included in the squad along with experienced centre-back Baihakki Khaizan, who skippered the team in Shahril’s absence. Veteran defender Daniel Bennett, who made his Asean Football Championship debut in 2002, is in line for his sixth appearance in the competition although the 34-year-old is not the oldest player in the squad after evergreen striker Aleksandar Duric, 42, also received a call-up. While there is plenty of experience in the squad with Shahril, Baihakki, Bennett, forwards Khairul Amri and Agu Casmir and midfielders Isa Halim, Shi Jiayi and Mustafic Fahruddin all members of the teams that won back-to-back Asean Football Championship titles in 2004 and 2007, there are also several youngsters with 11 players aged 23 or under including goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, defender Safuwan Baharudin and combative midfielder Hariss Harun. Only two players, Balestier Khalsa goalkeeper Joey Sim and Young Lions midfielder Zulfahmi Arifin, have yet to make their international debuts for the Lions. The Lions have fixed up pre-AFF Suzuki Cup friendlies against the Philippines in Cebu on November 15 and Pakistan at home four days later. Singapore squad Goalkeepers Izwan Mahbud (Lions XII), Hyrulnizam Jumaa’at (Lions XII), Joey Sim (Balestier Khalsa), Hassan Sunny (SAF) Defenders Ismail Yunos (Gombak United), Shaiful Esah (Lions XII), Baihakki Khaizan (Lions XII), Delwinder Singh (Tanjong Pagar), Daniel Bennett (SAF), Irwan Shah (Lions XII), Safuwan Baharudin (Lions XII), Jufri Taha (Tampines Rovers), Juma’at Jantan (Lions XII), Shakir Hamzah (Lions XII), Raihan Rahman (Lions XII), Hamqaamal Shah (Balestier Khalsa) Midfielders Isa Halim (Lions XII), Shi Jiayi (Home United), Shahdan Sulaiman (Lions XII), Firdaus Idros (Home United), Fazli Ayob (Young Lions), Hariss Harun (Lions XII), Mustafic Fahruddin (Tampines Rovers), Shahril Ishak (Lions XII), Firdaus Kasman (Lions XII), Yasir Hanapi (Lions XII), Safirul Sulaiman (Lions XII), Hafiz Rahim (Gombak United), Nazrul Ahmad Nazari (Young Lions), Zulfahmi Arifin (Young Lions) Forwards Aleksandar Duric (Tampines Rovers), Fazrul Nawaz (SAF), Qiu Li (Home United), Khairul Amri (Lions XII), Agu Casmir (Lions XII)
Indonesia name initial squad by AFF Suzuki Cup on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 5:54am · http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/indonesia-name-initial-squad Indonesia have amended their preliminary squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup after Belgian club C.S. Vise could not guarantee that four of their players would be available for the tournament. According to the Asean Football Federation, Syamsir Alam, Yandi Sofyan, Alfin Tuasalamony and Yericho Christiantoko have been omitted from the squad. Indonesia, who have yet to win the AFF Suzuki Cup, have included the iconic Bambang Pamungkas and former captain Firman Utina in their initial squad. Veteran Bambang, who scored two penalties in Indonesia’s 2-1 victory over Thailand at the group stage in 2010, has grabbed a total of 12 goals in the Asean Football Championship. Rising star Arthur Daniel Irawan, who plays for Spanish club Espanyol’s reserve side, has also been named in the amended list. Irawan can play as a right-back or right midfielder but has been operating as a second forward behind the main striker in the ‘B’ team. "My coach at Espanyol wants me to play in the number 10 role, just behind the striker," Irawan told Singapore’s New Paper. "He feels that I play the easy ball and am dangerous around the penalty area." Indonesia preliminary squad Goalkeepers: Samsidar (Semen Padang FC), I Made Wirawan (Persib Bandung), Wahyu Tri Nugroho (Persiba Bantul), Endra Prasetya Suprapto (Persebaya Surabaya) Defenders: Handi Ramdhan (Persija Jakarta), Novan Setya Sasongko (Persibo Bojonegoro), Nopendi (Persiba Bantul), Fachruddin Wahyudi Aryanto (PSS Sleman), Hengki Ardiles (Semen Padang), Wahyi Wijiastanto (Semen Padang), Hamka Hamsah (Mitra Kukar), Diego Robbie Michiels (Persija Jakarta), Raphael Guillermo Eduardo Maitimo (VV Capelle, Netherlands) Midfielders: Taufiq (Persebaya Surabaya), Elie Aiboy (Semen Padang), Firman Utina (Persib Bandung), Rasyid Assahid Bakri (PSM Makassar), Jajang Paliama Mujianto (Semen Padang), Muhammad Nur Iskandar (Persibo Bojonegoro), Bernardus Valentinus Telaubun (Bontang FC), Corneles Sergius Geddi (Persija Jakarta), Vendry Ronaldo Mofu (Semen Padang), Ahmad Bustomi (Mitra Kukar), Oktovianus Maniani (Persiram Raja Ampat), Tonnie Harry Cusell (GVVV, Netherlands), Hendra Adi Bayauw (Semen Padang) Forwards: Irfan Haary’s Bachdim (Persema Malang), Bambang Pamungkas (Persija Jakarta), Andik Vermansah (Persebaya Surabaya), Patrich Stefanus Wanggai (Persipura Jayapura), Rachmat Syamsuddin Leo (PSM Makassar), Arthur Daniel Irawan (Espanyol ‘B”, Spain), Agung Supriyanto (PPSM Magelang), Samsul Arif Munip (Persibo Bojonegoro), Jhonny Rudolf van Beukering
Etheridge named in Philippines squad but doubtful starter by AFF Suzuki Cup on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 5:23am · http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/etheridge-named-in-philippines-squad-but-doubtful-starter First-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has been included in the Philippines’ preliminary squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup although it is likely he will miss at least the group matches. Etheridge, whose loan deal to English League Two side Bristol Rovers has been extended until Christmas, is one of nine overseas-based players in the squad of 35. "It's going to be really difficult for me to get out to the AFF Suzuki Cup. The odds are definitely against me," Etheridge told Philippine media. "I have spoken to (Azkals team manager) Dan Palami and coach (Michael Weiss). They know that it's going to be difficult for me to travel. "So it looks like Roland (Muller) will be taking the No. 1 spot for a few of the games, but one of the ideas is that I will fly out for maybe the semi-finals if we reach it." Weiss knows that he will have to wait until the last minute to see whether other players based in Europe will be released. Brothers Phil and James Younghusband, who were dropped from the squad for the Peace Cup that the Philippines went on to win, have been included in the preliminary list of players. Philippines, surprise semi-finalists in 2010, will play co-hosts Thailand, 2008 champions Vietnam and Myanmar in Group A from November 24-December 1. Preliminary squad: Goalkeepers: Eduardo Sacapano (Philippine Army FC), Ref Cuaresma (Loyola Meralco Sparks FC), Neil Etheridge (Bristol Rovers FC – on loan from Fulham), Roland Muller (MSV Duisburg, Germany) Defenders: Robert Gier (unattached), Demitrius Omphroy (Global FC), Jason Sabio (Kaya FC), Carlos Martinez de Murga (Global FC), Jeffrey Christiaens (Global FC), Dennis Cagara (Karlsrusher SC, Germany), Juan Guirado (Global FC), Paul Mulders (NV Ado Den Haag, Holland) Midfielders: Nestorio Margarse (Philippine Army FC), Patrick Reichelt (Global FC), Jason De Jong (Stallion FC), Jose Porteria (Kaya FC), Misagh Bahadoran (Global FC), Marvin Angeles (Global FC), Marwin Angeles (Global FC), Andres Gonzalez (Loyola Meralco Sparks FC), Christoper Greatwich (unattached), Angel Guirado (Salgaocar FC, India), Mark Hartmann (Loyola Meralco Sparks FC), Ray Jonsson (FC Grindavik, Iceland), Jerry Lucena (Esbjerg, Denmark), Lexton Moy (Kaya FC), Manuel Ott (FC Ingolstadt 04, Germany), Stephan Schrock (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany), Matthew Uy (Global FC), James Younghusband (Loyola Meralco Sparks FC) Forwards: Emelio Caligdong (Philippine Air Force), Denis Wolf (Global FC), Ian Araneta (Philippine Air Force), Joshua Beloya (Ceres FC), Phil Younghusband (Loyola Meralco Sparks FC) Like · · Share
Cong Vinh features in Vietnam squad by AFF Suzuki Cup on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 1:26am · Striker Le Cong Vinh, the golden boy of Vietnamese football, has been included in the preliminary squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup that kicks off on November 24. Cong Vinh’s headed goal against Thailand won the AFF Suzuki Cup for Vietnam in 2008 and elevated his reputation to hero status among the country’s passionate fans. He missed the 2010 tournament through injury but coach Phan Thanh Hung included him to the squad for recent warm-up matches and he scored in the 2-0 away victory over Malaysia. Three other members of the victorious 2008 squad – midfielders Nguyen Vu Phong, Pham Thanh Luong and Le Tan Tai – also feature in the initial list of 35 players. Vu Phong was the top scorer for Vietnam with three goals, including a vital strike in the 2-1 first leg victory over Thailand in the final. Nguyen Trong Hoang, nicknamed “the Ox” because of his excellent strength on the ball, combined well with Cong Vinh in the win over Malaysia and has expectedly been named in the squad. Vietnam face Myanmar (November 24), Philippines (November 27) and Thailand (November 30) in Group A of the AFF Suzuki Cup in Bangkok. Vietnam, preliminary squad Goalkeepers: Duong Hong Son (Hanoi T&T), Bui Tan Truong (Saigon Xuan Thanh), Nguyen Thanh Bing (SHB Da Nang), Nguyen Manh Dung (Vissai Ninh Binh) Defenders: Tran Dinh Dong (SLNA), Nguyen Minh Duc (Saigon Xuan Thanh), Nguyen Van Bien (Hanoi T&T), Truong Dinh Luat (Saigon Xuan Thanh), Nguyen Gia Tu (Vissai Ninh Binh), Dao Van Phong (Khatoco Khanh Hoa), Au Van Hoan (SLNA), Chau Le Phuoc Vinh (SHB Da Nang), Nguyen Hong Tien (Hanoi T&T), Vo Hoang Quang (SHB Da Nang), Tran Chi Cong (Becamex Binh Duong), Nguyen Thanh Long Giang (Navibank Saigon), Nguyen Quoc Long (Hanoi T&T) Midfielders: Nguyen Trong Hoang (SLNA), Le Tan Tai (Khatoco Khanh Hoa), Nguyen Van Quyet (Hanoi T&T), Phan Thanh Hung (SHB Da Nang), Pham Thanh Luong (Hanoi), Nguyen Ngoc Duy (Hanoi T&T), Cao Sy Cuong (Hanoi T&T), Huynh Quoc Anh (SHH Da Nang), Nguyen Vu Phong (Becamex Binh Duong), Pham Nguyen Sa (SHB Da Nang), Vo Duy Nam (Hanoi T&T), Mai Tien Thanh (Vissai Ninh Binh), Nguyen Cong Huy (Becamex Binh Duong), Forwards: Nguyen Viet Thang (Becamex Binh Duong), Le Cong Vinh (Hanoi), Nguyen Quang Hai (Khatoco Khanh Hoa), Hoang Dinh Tung (Hai Phong), Nguyen Hai Anh (Dong Thap)
Sudan Date for Indonesia and Malaysia November 02, 2012 JAKARTA (2 Nov 2012) – Sudan have been confirmed as the final test for both Indonesia and Malaysia as the two teams gear up for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012. Indonesia will entertain Sudan on 14 November 2012 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta while Malaysia will play the African side three days later in Kuala Lumpur. Sudan, ranked 100th in FIFA’s world rankings, replaced the Philippines which Indonesia were hoping to play against in Bali. “We have already received the letter of confirmation from the Sudan Football Association (SFA) that was signed by Maqdi Shams Eldin (the general secretary),” said Habil Marati, the team manager of the Indonesia national team. “This will be an important game for us. We need this match to assess the level of our preparation. They will show our quality for sure.” Both Indonesia and Malaysia are in the same Group B of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012. The other two teams are Singapore and Laos with the first match day slated for 25 November 2012. http://www.aseanfootball.org/?p=10460
Gremio Test For Vietnam; Tickets On Sale for Vietnam-Malaysia Tie November 01, 2012 HANOI (2 Nov 2012) � Brazilian club Gremio will provide the test for Vietnam in their final phase of preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 that will begin later this month. Vietnam will play Gremio in the south central province of Khanh Hoa on 15 November. Gremio are on the way to taking part in the BTV Cup in the southern province of Binh Duong on 16-25 November. �We realised the team�s problems after the VFF Cup (where they finished third behind Korea University Selection and Turkmenistan). Young footballers such as Nguyen Gia Tu and Pham Nguyen Sa need more experience. I hope we overcome our difficulties before the AFF Suzuki Cup,� added Vietnam chief coach Phan Thanh Hung. In the meantime, tickets for the Vietnam-Malaysia tie have already been on sale since yesterday. The game will be played at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi tomorrow. Tickets are priced at VND50,000 (USD 2.5), VND80,000 (USD 4), VND120,000 (US 6) and VND150,000 (USD 7). http://www.aseanfootball.org/?p=10450
Thailand squad takes shape by AFF Suzuki Cup on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 11:59pm · Thailand have confirmed their 35-man preliminary squad for this month’s AFF Suzuki Cup. Coach Winfried Schafer has to cut his squad to 22 players just ahead of the tournament that kicks off on November 24. There are only five survivors from the team that drew 2-2 with Laos in the opening match of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. Goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool and defenders Chonlatit Jantakam and Theerathon Bunmathan were in the starting line-up while midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao and striker Teerasil Dangda came on as substitutes. Coached by former England captain Bryan Robson, Thailand also drew with Malaysia and were beaten 2-1 by hosts Indonesia to miss out on the knock-out stages for just the second time. Nattaporn Phanrit, Phichitpoing Choeichiu, Panupong Wongsa, Kirati Keawsombat and Wichaya Dechmitr of the current squad were also involved in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. Three-time champions and co-hosts Thailand play 2010 semi-finalists the Philippines on November 24 at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium. Their other Group A encounters at the same venue are against qualifiers Myanmar on November 27 and 2008 champions Vietnam three days later. Thailand, preliminary squad Goalkeepers: Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool (Chonburi), Kawin Thammasatchanan (Muangthong United), Chatchai Bootprom (Osotspa M-150) Defenders: Panupong Wongsa, Weerawut Kayem, Piyaphon Buntao (all Muangthong United), Anucha Kitpongsri, Chonlatit Jantakam, Jetsadakorn Hemdaeng (all Chonburi), Theerathon Bunmathan (Buriram United), Nattaporn Phanrit (BEC Tero Sasana), Niweat Siriwong (Sriracha FC), Chaiwat Nak-iem (Army United), Prayat Bunya (Ratchaburi), Midfielders: Datsakorn Thonglao, Phichitpoing Choeichiu (both Muangthong United), Adul Lahso (Chonburi), Jakkraphan Kaewprom (Buriram United), Apipoo Suntornpanavej (Osotspa M-150), Wichaya Dechmitr (BEC Tero Sasana), Sumanya Purisai (Chainat FC), Ekaphan Inthasen (Bangkok Glass), Attapong Nooprom, Rattana Petcharporn (both Ratchaburi) Forwards: Teerasil Dangda, Jakkraphan Pornsai (Muangthong United), Pipob On-mo, Arthit Sunthornphit (both Chonburi), Chatree Chimtalay (Bangkok Glass), Thana Chanabut, Surachart Sareepim (both Insee Police), Kirati Keawsombat (Wuachon United), Naphat Thamrongsupakorn (Samut Songkhram), Sompong Soleb (Bangkok United), Chanathip Songkrasin (BEC Tero Sasana)
Rash of friendly matches as teams enter final stretch by AFF Suzuki Cup on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 5:20am · A clearer picture of how teams are shaping up ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup will emerge in the next three weeks with a slew of warm-up matches being played throughout the Asean region. Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal has fixed up four friendly games for the defending champions as he searches for a winning recipe. He said that the opposition was chosen “to give us a very competitive atmosphere in our preparation to defend the AFF Suzuki Cup crown.” Malaysia have a chance to avenge the defeat to Vietnam in a recent friendly when they take on the 2008 champions in Hanoi on Saturday night (November 3). Harimau Malaya then travel to Bangkok to take on three-time winners Thailand on November 7 before home games against Hong Kong (November 14) and Sudan (November 17). Thailand play relatively lightweight opponents Bhutan and Bangladesh on November 14 and 18 respectively while Vietnam have a match against Brazilian club side Gremio on November 15. “We realised the team’s problems after the VFF Cup (where they finished third behind Korea University Selection and Turkmenistan). Young footballers such as Nguyen Gia Tu and Pham Nguyen Sa need more experience. I hope we overcome our difficulties before the AFF Suzuki Cup,” said Vietnam coach Phan Thanh Hung explaining why they had added the match against Gremio to their schedule. The Philippines, who have had training camps in the United States and Bahrain as well as a dozen friendly matches since the start of June, round off their intensive build-up with a match against three-time champions Singapore in Cebu also on November 15. The Azkals, shock semi-finalists in 2010, underlined their growing reputation as one of the teams to beat at the 2012 edition with a 2-0 away victory over Singapore in September. Singapore continue their preparation with a home match against Pakistan on November 19. Indonesia, beaten finalists two years ago, will play Sudan at home on November 14 in a match that the team management says is vital “to asses the level of preparation.” The AFF Suzuki Cup kicks off on November 24 with groups being contested in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Friendly fixtures: November 3 Vietnam v Malaysia November 7 Thailand v Malaysia November 14 Thailand v Bhutan, Indonesia v Sudan, Malaysia v Hong Kong November 15 Philippines v Singapore, Vietnam v Gremio (Brazil) November 17 Malaysia v Sudan November 18 Thailand v Bangladesh November 19 Singapore v Pakistan Acc., to jonny, the games against Sudan by Indonesia and Malaysia has been cancelled.
I'm intrigued by the ASEAN - SAFF friendlies. Interested to see what the SAFF guys have to offer. Pity if Sudan games aren't played, would like to have seen how Indo/Malaysia get on against African opposition.
You might get your wish yet drury. Our team manager announced plans of scheduling next year an African tour to expose the team to different styles of play.
Which is very forward thinking. It can only benefit the tam playing against different styles. Doesn't matter if you win, lose or draw, it's all about the experience and if the players can adapt to take it onto Asian Qualifiers. I like the way Philippines are doing things, but maybe they have this opportunity because other ASAN nations have stronger leagues to concentrate on? Saying this, never really seen any ASEAN nation attempt to go out of the ASEAN region. You know, the way the Phills are doing things, the others will be left behind. It's a good example to the rest of what can be done. Let's hope they follow their lead. For example next year Thailand ae getting excited about friendlies against English clubs, but it's all about money that never filters through. If they really were concerned, they would get the games the Phills are looking towards.
drury Yeah our team has ambitions of being competitive in Asia and not just SEA so they are looking to schedule friendlies against teams from the top 8-15 of the AFC next year as well as playing teams from outside the region. I think they are preparing for the possibility of making the 2015 Asian Cup if they win the AFC Challenge Cup in 2014 so they plan to play stronger and stronger teams as they get closer to 2015. They also are preparing for the 2018 WC qualifiers as well. As for the the team's schedule, you are probably right in pointing out that the Azkals have a more flexible schedule than other ASEAN countries as we are not burdened yet by fixture congestion in our league that other countries have to deal with although our league is looking forward to the possibility of eventually joining Asean and eventually AFC club competitions in the near future. As for the rest of ASEAN, like any healthy endeavor, I think they will adapt to keep up with the competition so if we can show that our program is progressing nicely, they will follow suit.
Singapore off to Japan for training tour by AFF Suzuki Cup on Monday, November 5, 2012 at 7:55pm · Singapore’s national team left for Japan on Monday afternoon to begin the final phase of their preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup with a week-long training camp in Shizuoka Prefecture. Coach Raddy Avramovic has brought a squad of 24 players to Japan, which should give a good indication of the make-up of his final team for the upcoming regional tournament, which kicks off on November 24. While the squad includes a number of familiar names including skipper Shahril Ishak, tough-tackling midfielder Hariss Harun, veteran defender Daniel Benett and evergreen striker Aleksandar Duric, there are also a few up-and-coming players including defender Raihan Rahman and midfielder Yasir Hanapi. Raihan and Yasir are just two of the 15 players selected from Lions XII, Singapore’s representative side in the Malaysian Super League, The squad will be in Shimizu in Shizuoka Prefecture for a week-long training camp which will include a friendly match against J.League side Shimizu S-Pulse on Saturday, November 10. “To play against opponents of such quality is good for us as it will be a good learning experience,” said captain Shahril. “Although we will be playing against a club side, the level of intensity will be very high.” After their Japanese training camp, the Lions will travel on to Cebu for an international friendly against the Philippines at the Cebu City Sports Complex on November 15 before they return to Singapore for their final warm-up match against Pakistan at Jurong West Stadium on November 19. In addition to the 24 players named for the training camp in Japan, another 10 back-up players including goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, defender Ismail Yunos and forward Agu Casmir will continue to train in Singapore under assistant coach Aide Iskandar. They could feature in the match against Pakistan, which will take place just six days before the Lions’ opening match at the AFF Suzuki Cup against defending champions Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on November 25. Singapore are in Group B and will also meet Indonesia at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on November 28 and Laos at the Shah Alam Stadium on December 1. Singapore squad Goalkeepers Izwan Mahbud (Lions XII), Hyrulnizam Jumaa’at (Lions XII), Joey Sim (Balestier Khalsa) Defenders Shaiful Esah (Lions XII), Baihakki Khaizan (Lions XII), Daniel Bennett (Armed Forces), Irwan Shah (Lions XII), Safuwan Baharudin (Lions XII), Juma’at Jantan (Lions XII), Raihan Rahman (Lions XII) Midfielder Isa Halim (Lions XII), Shi Jiayi (Home United), Shahdan Sulaiman (Lions XII), Fazli Ayob (Young Lions), Hariss Harun (Lions XII), Mustafic Fahruddin (Tampines Rovers), Shahril Ishak (Lions XII), Firdaus Kasman (Lions XII), Yasir Hanapi (Lions XII), Hafiz Rahim (Gombak United) Forwards Aleksandar Duric (Tampines Rovers), Fazrul Nawaz (Armed Forces), Qiu Li (Home United), Khairul Amri (Lions XII)
ASC2012: Thailand Overwhelm Malaysia In Intense Friendly November 07, 2012 BANGKOK (7 Nov 2012) Thailand scored an important psychological triumph in their run-up to the AFF Suzuki Cup at the end of the month when they beat defending champions Malaysia 2-0 at the SCG Muang Thong Stadium tonight. Both teams had to play the game with just ten men following the marching orders on Adul Lahsoh for Thailand and Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak for Malaysia. With Thailand just fresh into their preparation for the biennial championship, the victory was important to a team which has been under pressure of late to show their quality under Winfried Schafer. For Malaysia, the match tonight was their second stop following their 1-0 loss to Vietnam the previous day in Hanoi with coach K. Rajagobal anxious to show that the team is well prepared for the task at home. The absence of Safiq Rahim at the centre of the park gave Thailand the advantage and in the opening first quarter of an hour, they controlled much of the action as the Malaysians sat back in defence. Following from Somanya Purisay's effort coming off the crossbar in the 23rd minute, Thailand went ahead three minutes later when defender Prayat Bunya headed in the corner for the well-deserved lead. Into the second half, Malaysian did little change to their side while for the Thais; they made several substitutions to give the team more pace. And ten minutes to the end, Arthit Sunthornthit made sure of the win for the home team with a rifling shot from 20metres out. http://www.aseanfootball.org/?p=10572 So far in this series of pretournament friendlies, Group A has been earning its moniker as the Group of Death in the Suzuki Cup as not only are the highest ranked countries in FIFA part of this group but they having been winning most of the friendlies against the other teams in Group B.
Reactions: Thailand 2-0 Malaysia Reactions from Thailand's dominant 2-0 defeat of Malaysia from Muang Thong Stadium, Bangkok Seeing that his team were outplayed last night, Malaysia coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal admitted Thailand's superiority over his charges. "This game is difficult, not like the Vietnam game, Thailand collaborated well. At the beginning I thought we could fight against them, we k new Thailand will go hard as they are home team. Overall, this Thai Team is not like the one before, they are hungrier," Rajagobal said. Malaysia's stand in captain Safee Sali had this to say about the defeat, "Well, the pressure is there for sure. But what I can do is just try to do my best, fulfil my duty, and aim for the goal." Over in the Thai camp, German coach, Winfried Schafer was content with the performances of his boys. "I'm satisfied with the win, however we should've scored two more. I'm not happy with the substitutions, at the beginning I thought we can substitute unlimited players but I knew later that it was only 6. The players had good ideas, from this game made me realize who the prospects of of the team are." Thailand defender, Ponupong Wongsa revealed that he was surprised by Malaysia's lack of attempts. "This game wasn't too hard. It was more like trying out the team which made it not too much pressure. Malaysian didn't look like trying. At the beginning, I thought the defender work might be harder. Can't really tell much." http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3902/exclusives/2012/11/07/3509589/reactions-thailand-2-0-malaysia
Games galore in run up to AFF Suzuki Cup 13-Nov-2012 The pace is quickening ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup with warm-up matches coming thick and fast as teams round off their preparations for the region's most important tournament. Thailand, coming off a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over reigning champions Malaysia, should get in plenty of shooting practice against minnows Bhutan on Wednesday night while Harimau Malaya will be hoping to bounce right back from the defeat when they take on Hong Kong the same evening. Philippines, shock semi-finalists in 2010, play three-time winners Singapore in Cebu City on Thursday knowing that a win will provide them with a huge psychological lift ahead of the event. The influential Younghusband brothers, Phil and James, have been included in the squad for the match along with Patrick Reichelt and Chieffy Caligdong who both scored twice in the Philippines’ 5-0 win over club side Green Archers United Globe at the weekend. Singapore will be looking to get back on track after losing 2-0 to J.League side Shimizu S-Pulse on Saturday. Meanwhile, Vietnam's scheduled friendly against Brazilian club side Gremio on November 15 has been cancelled leaving the 2008 champions searching for another warm-up match. "According to the plan, the national team will have at least one more friendly match before the AFF Suzuki Cup. It does not matter whether we play against a foreign or a local side," said Ngo Le Bang, the general secretary of the Vietnam Football Federation. "A foreign team would be better. However, it is more important for the national squad to work on their line-up, tactics and avoid injury." Qualifiers Myanmar will play two friendly matches against Japanese second division side Fagiano Okayama ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup. Myanmar, coached by former Korea Republic international Park Sung-hwa, will take on Fagiano Okayama at the Youth Training Centre in Yangon on November 15 and 17. The AFF Suzuki Cup kicks off on November 24. http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/games-galore-in-run-up-to-aff-suzuki-cup
Thailand riding crest of wave into AFF Suzuki Cup 18-Nov-2012 Thailand fired a warning to their AFF Suzuki Cup rivals on Saturday with a 5-0 demolition of Bangladesh in their final warm-up match before Asean’s leading tournament kicks off on November 24. A Teerasil Dangda hat-trick, two of them from the top drawer, and a goal apiece from Phichitpong Choeichiu and Naphat Thamrongsupakorn sunk Bangladesh, who sit just 19 places below Thailand in the FIFA rankings. Thailand coach Winfried Schafer has been critical of the lack of build up games for his side but they have won all five matches played and scored 19 goals with just two conceded. They beat TPL All-Stars 5-1, scraped past Laos 2-1, defeated reigning AFF Suzuki Cup champions Malaysia 2-0 and hit five goals past both Bhutan and Bangladesh. Schafer was not happy with the second half performance against Bhutan but the return of the Muang Thong United trio of Teerasil, Phichitpong and Datsakorn Thonglao sparked Thailand into life. The opener from Phichitpong and Teerasil’s first goal were down to goalkeeping errors but Thailand’s third had class written all over it. Phichitpong found Teerasil with a lovely ball over the defence and his club teammate guided a left-footed half volley over the keeper’s head and into the net. In-form Teerasil, the top scorer in the Thai Premier League with 24 goals last season, completed his hat-trick early in the second half when he headed home a beautiful out-swinging cross from wing-back Theerathon Bunmathan. Phichitpong has enjoyed a great season for Thai Premier League champions Muang Thong United and he was the creator-in-chief against Bangladesh, outshining his midfield partner Datsakorn, who has been troubled with a nagging groin injury. Schafer hinted that the starting XI would be close to the team he fields against the Philippines in Thailand’s opening Group A match next Saturday and they did everything to justify their selection in a high-tempo first half. But Theerathon was outstanding in the second half and could well get the nod from the coach for the left-back spot. The Buriram United man has pace to burn and his left-footed in-swinging crosses and corners are difficult to defend against.
Schafer pleased with Azkals’ foreign-based stars' absence for 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup Thailand head coach is pleased his side will not have to face Philippines’ Europe-based players after the Azkals manager confirmed absentees for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Nov 19, 2012 2:58:00 PM Goalthailand Winfried Schafer has expressed his happiness at not having to face Philippines' overseas-based star players. Schafer had flown to Cebu to catch the Azkals' game against Singapore, in which Philippines won 1-0. After the game, Philippines head coach Michael Weiss told Schafer that Bristol Rovers' Neil Etheridge and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim midfielder Stephen Schrock are among some players who will not be joining up with the Azkals in their Suzuki Cup campaign. "He showed good demeanour after we told him that Neil and Schrock will not play for sure, he even asked if this is true and gave a big thumbs up,” Weiss quipped on the Thai coach's reactions upon hearing the news. Philippines may not have some of their players joining up with the squad, but Schafer is still wary of the Azkals, who Thailand face on November 24 for their opening match in the Suzuki Cup. "They have big and strong players similar to Palestine,", said the German. "And more importantly, they play with understanding because they have good preparation and counter-attack [abilities]. "Hence, we have to be calm and pass accurately, we still have a couple of days to prepare." While still in the midst of their preparation, Schafer has also cut six-players from his preliminary squad, with another five set to follow before Schafer submits his final 22-man squad list for the tournament. Schafer has thanked the players who were axed for their contribution, and urge them to carry on working hard to be in contention for the Asian Cup qualifiers in January. The six players being sent home are Wichaya Dechmitr, Tana Chanabut, Jetsadakorn Hemdaeng, Attapong Nooprom, Surachart Sareepim, and Rattana Petch-Aporn. http://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/4424...-azkals-foreign-based-stars-absence-for-2012#
Group A “too close to call” 20-Nov-2012 There could just as well be a banner in the changing rooms at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium proclaiming “Welcome to the Group of Death”, such is the relative strength and current form of Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Myanmar who will contest Group A of the AFF Suzuki Cup. All four teams have had good results in the build-up to the biennial tournament with coaches, pundits and fans alike declaring the group “too close to call”, with just two sides progressing to the knock-out stage. The race to be crowned the kings of Asean football starts on Saturday, November 24 with a juicy Group A double header featuring 2008 champions Vietnam against qualifiers Myanmar followed by three-time winners Thailand taking on an ambitious Philippines team keen to show that their run to the semi-finals in 2010 was no fluke. Former powerhouses Thailand last won the title in 2002, which seems a lifetime ago for their success-starved supporters who suffered the ignominy of seeing their heroes slump out of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup at the group stage. The Thais are hoping that a combination of home advantage in Group A, a powerful squad featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting youngsters and a savvy tactician in former Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer will spark a glory run. “The AFF Suzuki Cup is very important for this region and I hope we can at least reach the final although it will not be easy,” said Schafer, who has restored some pride to the national team since taking over the reins from former England captain Bryan Robson. “We face three good teams but we are playing at home which is an advantage. We need many supporters to come to the stadium and help our team to be successful.” Schafer has been critical of the lack of build up games for his side but they have won all five matches played and scored 19 goals with just two conceded, to send a warning to their Group A rivals. They beat the TPL All-Stars 5-1, scraped past Laos 2-1, defeated reigning AFF Suzuki Cup champions Malaysia 2-0 and hit five goals past both Bhutan and Bangladesh. The coach fielded something close to his best XI in the final warm-up match against Bangladesh and they looked the part in the opening 45 minutes, playing a fast-tempo passing game that had the opposition constantly on the back foot. Phichitpong Choeichiu was immense in midfield and seems destined to play a starring role in the AFF Suzuki Cup while striker Teerasil Danga, his club teammate at Thai Premier League champions Muang Thong United, showed why he is reportedly the target of a host of European clubs with a well-taken hat-trick. Coach Phan Thanh Hung is hoping that a potent blend of youth and experience will help Vietnam qualify from Group A as their first step towards a second AFF Suzuki Cup title in four years. Vietnam disappointed in the defence of their Asean title in 2010 and Thanh Hung has set about re-shaping the side with the emphasis on fitness and sharpness. Back-to-back victories over titleholders Malaysia, the most recent a 1-0 home win on November 5, and a 0-0 draw against 2010 runners-up Indonesia have ensured Vietnam will go into their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign in a confident mood. Thanh Hung, coach of Hanoi T&T who is on a short-term contract with the national team, has been so impressed by several of the players brought into the set-up that he has left the ageing Minh Puong, recently named Best Player of the V-League in 2012, and fellow midfielder Phan Van Tai Em out of the squad. However, he has stuck by Le Cong Vinh, the golden boy of Vietnamese football, whose headed goal against Thailand won the AFF Suzuki Cup for Vietnam in 2008. The talismanic Cong Vinh has been amongst the goals in the build-up to the tournament, scoring against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and the 1-1 draw with V-League side Khatoco Than Hoa last Saturday. “I love being part of the international set up,” said Cong Vinh, who missed the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup because of a knee injury. “Personally, I want to help the team reach the semis and after that we can look at winning the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 title. “Phan Thanh Hung is a good coach with success at youth level and with Hanoi T&T. He puts a lot of emphasis on fitness and making sure the players are sharp.” Thanh Hung will also be looking for goals from the stocky Nguyen Trong Hoang, who scored the winner against Malaysia in Hanoi, and 21-year-old Nguyen Van Quyet, Cong Vinh’s successor at Hanoi T&T who found the net 12 times in the V-League last season. Pham Thanh Luong, famed for his surging runs into the box, and midfield dynamo Le Tan Tai also did enough in the warm-up matches to pencil their names into the starting line-up for the AFF Suzuki Cup matches. Philippines, whose 2-0 victory over then titleholders Vietnam at the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup rocked Asean football, are looking to turn their driving ambition into the ultimate achievement by winning the title for the first time. They were feted for their fantastic run to the semi-finals in 2010 and, spared the gruelling task of qualifying for the 2012 edition as a result of their heroics, embarked on an intense and well-mapped out build up that included training camps in the United States and the Middle East and 14 friendly matches since June 1. Home and away victories over three-time winners Singapore and success in the Peace Cup with a largely locally-based squad have boosted their confidence to a level where they will fear none of their opponents in Group A. While Weiss has stressed that the Philippines can be competitive without their overseas players, he will be happy to welcome striker Angel Guirado, midfielder-cum-striker Paul Mulders and defenders Dennis Cagara and Jerry Lucena to Bangkok after they were reportedly granted releases by their clubs. However, Philippines are still waiting to find out if goalkeepers Neil Etheridge and Roland Muller and influential midfielder Stephan Schrock will play any part in the tournament. Brothers Phil and James Younghusband, the poster boys of football in the Philippines, are expected to feature in Weiss’ final 22 despite being left out of the Peace Cup squad. The siblings were hugely influential in the Azkals’ 2010 campaign and they are pumped up for a tilt at glory this time around. “I think it is important that we show that the 2010 Suzuki Cup wasn’t a one-time thing, that it wasn’t a fluke. We have to show that we really have come a long way and that we are consistent,” said Phil Younghusband, who scored in the win over Vietnam two years ago. And he is unequivocal in stating the goal for this year is to reach the final. “It is important that we look at each tournament and do better than what we did last time,” he added. “The last time, we made it to the semi-finals. “We want to get to the (two-legged) finals, that’s what we want to achieve.” Myanmar, forced to qualify for the 2012 tournament after under-achieving again two years ago, come into the group matches without several first-team players who are injured. However, they were given a boost with news that veteran striker Yan Paing, who missed the qualifying tournament because of injury, would be fit for the finals. Yan Paing, 30, brings a wealth of experience to the youthful side that finished top of the qualification group with 10 points from four games, He made his debut in the Asean Football Championship in 2002 and played a big role for his country when they reached the semi-finals for the first and, so far, only time two years later. Myanmar coach Park Sung-hwa named him alongside fellow forwards Kaung Sithu, who scored one goal in the qualifying round, and Soe Kyaw Kyaw. With just one recognised striker available to him in qualification, Park looked to the midfield to supply the goals and Yangon United young gun Kyi Lin delivered with a brace against Timor Leste and the opener in the 3-0 victory over Cambodia. Park said that his side faced a difficult task to progress from Group A and recalled that Vietnam hammered Myanmar 7-1 in their group encounter two years ago. "It will be very tough for us with Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines in our group. Myanmar have never beaten Thailand or Vietnam in the tournament - in fact we lost 7-1 to Vietnam in the last tournament - and the Philippines are also a very good team now,” he said. "We have ambitions to go to the semi-finals but we must beat Thailand or Vietnam, which will be very difficult. But we are preparing the team as well as we can in order to do that.” Group B in Kuala Lumpur features defending champions Malaysia, 2010 beaten finalists Indonesia, Singapore and qualifiers Laos.
Thailand 2:1 Philippines I thought the Phills started brightly in the opening 10 minutes, but Thailand then took control, which they should do at home. Took their foot off the gas for much of the second half and the Phill's did look like they could have saved the game in the last 15 minutes. It was a decent game. I personally maybe expected a little bit more from the Philippines, I was a little bit disappointed with them, but the last 15 minutes showed me that they are good enough to get out of this group and then anything could happen. If we reversed the fixture an played this game in the Philippines then i'm sure the game itself would have been reversed aswell. Thailand seemed OK for me. I think if you get at them, they can be rocked. I think Vietnam will get at them in the last match, but all depends on whats to play for come that time. Vietnam 1: Myanmar From what I saw, Vietnam made most of the running in the first half and maybe should have put the game to bed. I was supporting Myanmar in this as the underdogs, but this group is really tight. The tournament itself? Would like to see in the future, the games involving none hosts to be played at smaller stadia to get the atmosphere going. A 15,000 capacity ground would suit. The rain didn't help the second game either but appeared on TV to have more atmosphere even though looking at the ground seemed empty.