Two headers by rising star Paseuthsack Souliyavong helped the Ministry of Public Works and Transport defeat 10-man Savannakhet 2-1 to win this year's Prime Minister's Cup last Friday at the National Stadium.
The first goal for the ministry side came early in the first half, when Soulisack Vongsengdeuan crossed from the right side into the penalty area, and Paseuthsack headed the ball into the net in the 6 th minute.
Paseuthsack's second header goal came just four minutes into the second half, putting them in the lead 2-0.
Meanwhile, the Savannakhet side fought hard to score, but all their shots were off target. The team also received a blow in the 80 th minute when referee Bounthong Lattanavong gave a red card to defender Khamden Soukhamthat.
Savannakhet played the last 10 minutes of the match with only 10 players. They managed to score a goal with a volley-kick from midfielder Yeleuxay Keolammone in the 82 nd minute, but it was already too late.
This year was only the second time Savannakhet province had taken part in the tournament; the last was in 2004, when they also lost.
This year was the fourth PM's Cup organised by the Lao Football Federation, and was also the fourth year with official sponsors the Lao Brewery Company.
The first tournament was in 2003, when the Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction team (now the Ministry of Public Works and Transport) beat the Army FC 2-1 in the final match.
The second tournament took place in 2004, with Vientiane FC taking the title after defeating Savannakhet province 2-1.
There was no tournament in 2005, because the organising committee and players were busy preparing for the National Games in Savannakhet and the SEA Games in the Philippines .
The third tournament was played in 2006, when the Lao-American College took home the title after beating Vientiane FC 3-1.
The aim of the tournament is to promote the development of Lao football around the country and to encourage rising stars to take their place on the national squad.
It is also held to celebrate National Day on December 2.
The tournament is an important part of the country's development plan for sports from now until 2010, and will help Lao sport in the lead-up to the SEA Games in 2009, which Laos will host.
By Sisay Vilaysack (Latest Update December 01, 2007)
