RI dominates Cambodia 5-1 in Asian Cup

RI dominates Cambodia 5-1 in Asian Cup

PHNOM PENH (Agencies): Rocky Putiray netted two goals to lead Indonesia in a dominating 5-1 win over Cambodia Saturday in qualifying play for next year's Asian Cup soccer tournament.

With Indonesia ahead 2-0, Putiray scored in the 38th minute and again at the opening of the second half in the 46th minute. Ali Sunan struck just one minute later to make it 5-0.

Cambodia avoided a shutout in the 72nd minute when Chan Arunreath punched in a goal after the ball deflected off Indonesian goalie Hendro Kartiko.

"We made mistakes because of the pressure of Indonesia. You could see the quality of player No. 21," Cambodia's German coach Joachim Fickert said of Rocky, who sported bright green hair reminiscent of American basketball star Dennis Rodman.

Hariyanto Prasetyo and Bambang Pamungkas also scored for Indonesia.

The win avenged a 1-1 draw with Cambodia the last time the Indonesian team visited Phnom Penh during World Cup qualifying in 1997.

Indonesia rose to 1-0-1 in the Asian Cup qualifying round robin after drawing 1-1 with Hong Kong last week while Cambodia fell to 0-2 in the division.

Rocky saved Indonesia's face when he made the equalizer when facing Hong Kong at Mongkok Stadium.

Hong Kong, who beat Cambodia 4-1 in its last match, top Group Seven with four points from two games.

Indonesia is scheduled to play Hong Kong on Nov. 14 and Cambodia on Nov. 21 at Senayan stadium in Jakarta at the next Group 7 qualifying round. However, the venues could be changed for security reason.

Lineups:

Indonesia: Hendro Kartiko, Aji Santoso, Anang Maruf, Sugiyantoro (Eko Purjianto), Nur Alim, I. Made Pasek Wijaya, Uston Nawawi (Alexander Saununu), Imran Nahumarury (Ali Sunan), Hariyanto Prasetyo, Rocky Putiray, Bambang Pamungkas

Cambodia: Chan Arunreath, Prak Sovannara (Ung Kan Yanith), Hem Samchey, Suon Dara, Hok Sochetra, Pros Him, Soeur Chan Veasna, Chuon Maline, Ieng Saknida, Sok Mony, Peas Sothy (Kim Chan Bunrith)