Futsal

Dương Ngọc Linh of Sahako FC tries to take the ball away from Bintang Timur Surabaya player during their AFF Futsal Cup semi-finals. — Photo of Sahako FC

HÀ NỘI — Sahako FC from Việt Nam will vie for a bronze medal at the AFF Futsal Cup 2022 against Selangor MAC of Malaysia on September 10 in Korat, Thailand.

Sahako lost 1-2 to Bintang Timur Surabaya (BTS) FC from Indonesia in the first semi-final match on September 8 at Terminal 21.

A two-minute blitz gave BTS just the advantage they needed for a 2-0 lead when Sunny Rizki Suhendra latched on to the hard work from Alfajri Zikri in the 6th minute before Edison Coelho then fired in the second goal a minute later.

And while Sahako were hoping to turn things around they would find that BTS were just a tad more experienced and composed.

Dương Ngọc Linh’s darting run paid dividends in the 27th minute when he shot in past keeper Muhammad Nazil Purnama to close the gap with BTS.

But while they managed to create a string of chances soon after, they could not change the inevitable as BTS carved their slot in the final for the first time ever.

In the other semis, Hongyen Thakam of the hosts dumped Selangor MAC 6-2.

It will be the second time that Sahako will play Selangor. In the group round, Sahako came from behind to win 2-1 on September 6.

In the rematch in the final, Hongyen Thakam are still the favourite to win. They beat BTS 5-2 to take control of Group A early this week. — VNS