In the opening match of AFC qualifying, visiting Laos took a surprisingly early lead at Cambodia in the rain of Phnom Penh. The blow was delivered by 19-year-old phenom Manolom Phomsouvanh. Laos carried the 1-0 scoreline into the break. The start of the second half featured a quick downpour of goals, with Cambodia striking twice within twelve minutes only to see Laos equalize before the hour mark. However, first-half substitute Samel Nasa for Cambodia came up huge for the home side with two goals off the bench, including the fourth goal to finish off Laos after Cambodia had found its third midway through the second half.In four days time, the two neighbors will go into Laos with the series favoring Cambodia 4-2. However, Laos did find two vital road goals and could very well advance with a 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline in the return leg. The winner faces China.
Nepal hosted Timor Leste in Kathmandu, the site of both legs of this first round matchup. The first leg was designated Nepal's home leg. In yet another match played on a wet pitch, Nepal took advantage of a penalty kick won at around the quarter-hour mark. Nepal took the 1-0 advantage into the half, but the start of the second half seemed to spell disaster for the home team. Timor Leste found an equalizer two minutes after the restart and then Nepal's Bharat Khawas was shown his second yellow of the second half just ten minutes in. However, Nepal were saved by a strike by Manu Rai Ju (pictured in red) twenty minutes from time and won 2-1 in spite of its numerical disadvantage.
The two sides take to the same pitch again in just three day's time, meaning this series will be the first to be decided in Asia. Nepal take a one-goal lead into its "road" leg. The winner faces Jordan.
Goals:
Cambodia
Khuon Laboravy 51
Samel Nasa 57, 88
Kouch Sokumpheak 67
Laos
Manolom Phomsouvanh 9, 59
Nepal
Anil Gurung 14 PK
Manu Rai Ju 71
Timor Leste
Juvito Da Silva 47
Match reports:
Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKLeDAxa4t4&feature=related (Nepal v. Timor Leste)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RO6u7-KL3g&NR=1 (Cambodia v. Laos)
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