Southeast Asia

2018 AFF Cup – Matchday 2 Best XI

By: , November 15, 2018 10:55 pm
Credit – affsuzukicup.com

Check out our picks for the Best XI from matchday two of the group stage at the 2018 AFF Cup.

Goalkeeper

Name: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat

Age: 29

Nationality: Malaysia

One again, Khairul came to Malaysia's rescue, using his experience and know-how to make sure the back-line was safe.

Defender

Name: Fachrudin Aryanto

Age: 29

Nationality: Indonesia

When Fachrudin came off the bench in the first match, Indonesia's defensive line looked more confident and able to anticipate Singapore's attacks. He continued his amazing work against Timor-Leste, organizing the defensive line and serving as a good mentor and partner for Hansamu Yama.

Defender

Name: Aidil Zafuan

Age: 31

Nationality: Malaysia

After an inconsistent performance against Cambodia, Aidil truly got his tournament under way with an excellent showing in the second match.

Defender

Name: Sithu Aung

Age: 22

Nationality: Myanmar

The young yet established Myanmar international, who most recently signed for Chonburi in the Thai League, made key defensive and offensive contributions in the game against Cambodia, and even got himself on the scoresheet.

Right Midfielder

Name: Andik Vermansyah

Age: 26

Nationality: Indonesia

Andik was the player of the match against Timor-Leste. During the first-half, he played in his natural position on the right wing and looked promising, threatening the Timorese left-back. He also did well on the left-side when Riko Simanjuntak came on in the second-half, and played a key role in getting Indonesia ahead.

Central Midfielder

Name: Phithack Kongmathilath

Age: 22

Nationality: Laos

One of the few bright lights in what ended up being a dismal day for Laos, Phithack Kongmathilath can take pride in scoring the opening goal against Malaysia at the Bukit Jalil Stadium with a phenomenal free kick.

Central Midfielder

Name: Hliang Bo Bo

Age: 22

Nationality: Myanmar

In the absence of Aung Thu, many fans were worried about who would provide the spark for Myanmar in their opening match of the tournament. Up stepped Yadanabon's Hliang Bo Bo, who struck a brace to lead his side to an impressive 4-1 victory.

Left Midfielder

Name: Patrick Riechelt

Age: 30

Nationality: Philippines

A veteran of the Philippines team, Patrick Reichelt is now participating in his fourth AFF Cup with the Azkals. His goal helped new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson pick up a debut victory in charge of the Philippines and got them off to a winning start against Singapore.

Attacking Midfielder

Name: Stefano Lilipaly

Age: 28

Nationality: Indonesia

After coming on for the last half an hour against Timor-Leste, Lilipaly's involvement greatly improved Indonesia's attack, making up for the lost supply lines from the midfield to striker Beto Goncalves. If he played from the beginning, it is possible that Indonesia would have won by a bigger margin.

Striker

Name: Rufino Gama

Age: 20

Nationality: Timor-Leste

A special mention should go to Rufino, who scored his fifth international goal in the match against Indonesia. He threatened the Indonesian defenders with his skills and dribbling. His goal is particularly memorable because it is the first one ever scored by a Timor-Leste player against the Garuda.

Striker

Name: Norshahrul Idlan Talaha

Age: 32

Nationality: Malaysia

Norshahrul made a crucial contribution once again in the match against Laos yesterday, when he scored two goals. His first came in the final minutes of the match after a disastrous situation in the visitor's box. His second goal came in stoppage time, when he headed in a cross from Akhyar Rashid.