VIENTIANE (10 July 2011) – Myanmar’s hopes of a grand start fell through as Cambodia forced a 1-1 draw in their Group B AFF Under-16 Championship match at the National Sports Complex here today.
Although into its fourth day today, it was Myanmar’s opening game of the regional youth tournament. Their hopes of a memorable start soared when they sensationally took the lead through Aung Myat Soe just past the half hour mark.
Their plans were derailed however when Cambodia snatched the equaliser after a costly mistake by the keeper. Myanmar in fact could have easily lost if not for a brilliant save from their keeper Thant Zin Nyo who saved a penalty from Soueg Sophana.
“Several of our players were injured from the first match, so we have had to make changes to the starting line-up,” said Daisuke Yoshioka, the chief coach of Cambodia.
“But still we at least managed to win one point which is not too bad.”
Although into its fourth day, Myanmar were only playing their first game of the tournament while Cambodia were contesting their second. While Myanmar were aiming for an opening victory, Cambodia was targeting a second successive win.
Instead, both sides ended up sharing points after scoring a goal each, both of which were in the first half. Myanmar will have their next game against Philippines while Cambodia have a date with Vietnam in two days time. With four points in the bag, Cambodia are top of the group but they will have to wait for the outcome of the Singapore-Philippines tie later this evening to see if they remain ahead.
It was scorching when the match started yet the Myanmar and Cambodia players did not seem bothered by the severe conditions.
They threw themselves into the game but it was Cambodia which had the first shot at goal. Firo Fi In should have scored, he was in the middle of the box and had a clear shot but fired weakly. Myanmar had their chance in the 31st minute but Hlaing Bo Bo was half a step slow in running down Kyaw Min Oo’s low cross and connecting it in.
A minute later, Aung Myat Soe pounced on a rebound to smash his team ahead. But their joy was shortlived as keeper Thant Zin Nyo hesitated to come off his line. He eventually scampered out but it was too late and Cambodian skipper Hoy Phallin lobbed it over the onrushing keeper.
There was not much action in front of the goals as the game was centered mainly in the middle of the pitch. Unable to get close, the Myanmar forwards took some long shots which sailed the wrong way. In the 70th minute, it looked like the game was over for Myanmar when defender Min Thu brought down striker Nub Tola in the box.
Soueg Sophana hit it right but to his dismay, Zin Nyo also went the same way.
CAMBODIA:Prak Pirun (GK), Saret Krya, Kouk Sochea, Hoy Phallin (Cpt), Nub Tola, Sok Sros, Bun Chansopheak, In Vichhay, Firo Fi In, Savi Socekirin, Soeug Sophana
Coach: Daisuke Yoshioka
Goalscorers: Hoy Phallin (37th)
Yellow:Firo Fi In (61st)
Red: Nil
MYANMAR:Thant Zin Nyo (GK), Min Thu, Hein Nay San, Zin Ko Tun, Phoe La Pyae, Kyaw Min Oo, Myo Thura Oo (Cpt), Hlaing Bo Bo, Wai Hin Tun, Aung Myat Soe, Aung Thu
Coach: Marko Alexis Cosinacosta
Goalscorers: Aung Myat Soe (32nd)
Yellow: Myo Thura Oo (53rd), Min Thu (70th)
Red: nil
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Suhaizi Shukri (Mas)
Assistant Referee 1: Mohd Yusri Muhamad (Mas)
Assistant Referee 2: Edo Wiradana (Ina)
Fourth Official: Hoang Anh Tuan (Vie)
Match Commissioner: Yeh Htut Tin (Mya)
Referee Assessor: Augustine Arlando (Sin)
General Coordinator: U Tin Aung (Mya)
