BLACK DRAGONS DOWN CHONBURI FC TO FINISH THIRD

Frenz United Malaysia defeated defending champions Chonburi FC of Thailand 3-1 in the second-leg of the third-fourth placing match in the FAM-Frenz Asia Champions Trophy Under-16 2014 at Frenz Stadium in Janda Baik, Pahang.

A brace from Muhammad Akhmar Haiqal (37^th and 65^th) and Muhammad Fareez(41^st) sealed Black Dragons impressive victory by 3-1 aggregate after both teams played to a goalless draw in the first-leg encounter at Chonburi Stadium last week.

The hosts picked up a US$15,000 (RM49,500) cheque while Chonburi FC received US$7,500 ( RM24,750) in the tournament which boasts one of the most lucrative prize money ever offered in the region for an under-age competition. The total prize money on offer in ACT 2014 is US$100,000 (RM330,000).

In tomorrow’s second-leg final of the ACT 2014, S. Balachandran’s Harimau Muda D will take on PVF Vietnam at the same venue. The Young Tigers won 2-1 in the first-leg encounter in Ho Chi Minh City last week.

If the estimated 2,000 Frenz United Malaysia fans were expecting a stern test from the defending champions they were certainly in for a surprise as Suphakorn Noima’s boys were far from the side that showed so much of promise leading up to the semi-finals of the ACT 2014.

With 15-goal hero Sittichok Paso rested on the bench in the first half, they were evidently lacking in firepower upfront as skipper Saharat Sontisawat, strikers Chaiwat Weerakijphanich and Kritthanapong Paidaen did all they could except find the net.

On the opposite end, Black Dragons dominated much of the first half and had a first good opportunity in the 32^nd minute when Mohamed Akhmar Haiqal’s cross from the left flank was met with a header by Aidel Nur Iman. The ball sailed past the outstretched goalkeeper Chakhon Philakhlang only to hit the bar.

Black Dragons, however, opened account five minutes later when they were awarded a penalty by match referee Rozyman Aidit Ibrahim from Brunei after Akhmar Haiqal was brought down by defender Autthagowit Jantod inside the box. Akhmar made no mistake from the spot to take his personal goal tally to eight in the tournament.

But there was more to come from the Black Dragons and the fans loved it. Four minutes before interval, striker Muhammad Fareez Jeffrey made it 2-0 with a header after picking a well-timed cross from Muhammad Hafizzudin from the left flank. The Thais had no answers to the quick-attack and aggressive play of the home team.

Chonburi FC returned in the second half with one major change – bringing on Sittichok for the injured Arthit Kangsangwet. The Thais took control of the match briefly but the hosts continued their bright start by going 3-0 up by the 65^th minute through a grounder shot from Akhmar off a corner.

The Thais pulled a goal back in the 75^th minute from a Sitichok penalty - his 16^th goal in the tournament and making him a top candidate once again for the 2014 Top striker and Most Valuable Player awards.  He won both awards last year.

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