Timor Leste’s Generosity, Sharing Bronze Medal with Laos in AFF U23 Cup All

KOMPAS.com – At the initiative of Timor Leste, Laos can receive a bronze medal in the 2022 AFF U23 Cup, even though it has withdrawn from the tournament.

Timor Leste and Laos are scheduled to compete for the third place in the 2022 AFF U23 Cup at Morodook Techo National Stadium, Cambodia, Saturday (26/2/2022) afternoon WIB.

The two teams met at that stage after losing to their respective opponents in the semifinals of the 2022 AFF U23 Cup.

Timor Leste lost on penalties (3-5) to Vietnam, while Laos lost 0-2 to Thailand.

Also read: List of AFF U23 Cup Winners, Vietnam’s Latest

However, the match for the third place of the 2022 AFF U23 Cup was finally canceled ahead of kick-off.

This was because the Laos U23 national team did not have enough players to compete.

Several Lao players were reported injured and tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the match against the U23 Timor Leste national team.

Shortly after, the Lao Football Association (LFF), declared that the Laos U23 national team had withdrawn from the tournament.

Also read: 2022 AFF U23 Cup Final Results: Mute Thailand 1-0, Vietnam Wins!

“Lao U-23 national team withdraws from the 2022 AFF U-23 football competition,” wrote LFF

With conditions like this, there is a possibility that the third place in the 2022 AFF U23 Cup will fall into the hands of Timor Leste.

However, Timor Leste does not want that to happen. They proposed that Laos should also be awarded a bronze medal.

The proposal was finally accepted by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF).

Also read: 2022 AFF U23 Cup Final: Vietnam Leads 1-0 over Thailand in the First Half

“This is a really generous gesture from Timor Leste,” said AFF President Khiev Sameth, quoted from the official AFF website.

“I would like to thank Mr. Francisco Jeronimo, President of the Federation of Timor-Leste, who made this proposal soon after learning that Laos should withdraw,” he added.

“Timor Leste’s actions reflect the sportsmanship and solidarity that exists among the AFF Member Associations,” said Khiev Sameth.

Thus, Timor Leste and Laos will both receive bronze medals for the 2022 AFF U23 Cup.

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