Indonesia trounces Laos in Tiger Cup

Indonesia trounces Laos in Tiger Cup

Agence France-Presse, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Indonesia got its Tiger Cup campaign off to a winning start Tuesday, sweeping aside Laos 6-0 here on the opening day of Southeast Asia's premier international soccer tournament.

Coached by Englishman Peter Withe, who tasted Tiger Cup success in 2000 and 2002 as coach of Thailand, Indonesia proved too strong across the park for the regional minnows in their Group A clash at Thong Nhat Stadium.

Boas Salossa opened his account midway through the first half before strike partner Ilham Jaya Kusuma scored two in quick succession to give Indonesia a 3-0 lead at halftime.

Boas Salossa notched his second goal soon after the break. Elie Aiboy and Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto also found the back of the net.

Laos' best chance of the match came from a free kick by defender Chalana Luang-amath early in the first half, forcing Hendro Kartiko to make a fine save, but the Indonesian keeper was rarely troubled after that.

The last time these two teams met in the Tiger Cup, back in 1996, Indonesia ran out 5-1 winner.

Vietnam, which is co-hosting the group stages of the tournament with Malaysia, took on Singapore later Tuesday.