VIENTIANE (12 July 2011) – Myanmar enhanced their chances of making the semifinals of the AFF Under-16 Championship here when they edged the Philippines 2-1 in a Group B match at the National Sports Complex today. Myanmar could have walked away with a wider margin of victory but they wasted numerous chances to score a decisive win.
In the dying minutes, Myanmar defender Hein Nay San was sacked for bringing down striker Ryu Nell Fegidero but skipper Skie Doug Carranza ballooned the ensuing freekick and with that blew any hopes of forcing a draw today. Failing to collect any points today, for the third match here, has also virtually ended the Teen Azkals chances of advancing.
After sharing points with Cambodia two days ago, Myanmar were fully aware that they had to win to stay on track for the last four. After today’s result, they have four points and are second along with Cambodia. Undefeated Singapore are top with six points.
Myanmar, who have two more matches remaining against Singapore and Vietnam, got off to a brilliant start when Aung Thu hammered in the opening goal when the game was but three minutes old. Aung Thu made no mistake when he blasted in a rebound from close range. It was the perfect start for Myanmar.
In the eighth minute, Myanmar almost hit their second, but Thant Zin Win’s dipping left-footed freekick was pushed out at the near post by Joey Adrian De La Sierra.
In the 19th minute, Wai Hin Tun whacked his shot from the edge of the box to put Myanmar in a more comfortable position. Alas, that did not last long as Yves Russel Caballero fired from outside the box and watched anxiously as the ball hit the crossbar. To his relief, it bounced downwards into goal.
After the break could have easily popped in a few goals but their players were unable to control their shots. Philippines tried hard to get the equaliser but it was tough as Myanmar were controlling the game and constantly attacking.
In the last 10 minutes, Myanmar had at least four superb chances but Hlaing Bo Bo, Aung Thu and Khant Ko Ko Se were all off the mark. Against the run of play, Fegidero broke away and was at the top of the box when he was hacked down by Nay San. Carranza’s freekick however sailed over the crossbar.
“The result is okay but the performance was not very good,” said Marko Koscina, the chief coach of Myanmar.
<b>MYANMAR:</b>Thant Zin Nyo (GK), Min Thu, Zin Ko Tun, Phoe La Pyae, Kyaw Min Oo, Myo Thura Oo (Cpt), Hlaing Bo Bo, Wai Hin Tun, Aung Thu, Win Latt Aung, Thant Zin Win
<b>Coach: </b>Marko Koscina
<b>Goalscorers:</b> Aung Thu (3rd), Wai Hin Tun (19th)
<b>Yellow:</b>nil
<b>Red:</b> Hein Nay San (88th)
<b>PHILIPPINES:</b> Joey Adrian De La Sierra (GK), Jose Brian Langub Romo, Nessi Villanueva Ramos, Angelo Gabriel Bahoyan, Alexis Joseph Juan, Skie Doug Carranza (Cpt), Yves Russel Caballero, Renko Feliz Gaudiel, Ryu Nell Fegidero, Jhoguev Pasilan Ybanez, Raphael Vincent Resuma.
<b>Coach: </b> Tomasito Glenn Hilig Ramos
<b>Goalscorers:</b> Yves Russel Caballero (21st)
<b>Yellow:</b> Ryu Nell Fegidiro (63rd minute)
<b>Red:</b> nil
<b>MATCH OFFICIALS</b>
<b> Referee:</b> Mongkolchai Pechsri (Tha)
<b>Assistant Referee 1: </b> Sompavanth Louang Lath (Lao)
<b>Assistant Referee 2: </b> Mohd Yusri Mohamad (Mas)
<b>Fourth Official: </b> Suhaizi Shukri (Mas)
<b>Match Commissioner: </b>Yeh Htut Tin (Mya)
<b>Referee Assessor: </b>Augustine Arlando (Sin)
<b>General Coordinator: </b> U Tin Aung (Mya)
<b>Group A</b>
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | |
| LAOS | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| THAILAND | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| MALAYSIA | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| INDONESIA | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 2 |
| TIMOR LESTE | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 1 |
<b>Group B</b>
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | |
| SINGAPORE | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 6 |
| CAMBODIA | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| MYANMAR | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| VIETNAM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
| PHILIPPINES | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 9 | -7 | 0 |
