VIENTIANE (23 Aug 2015) – Ten minutes after coming on, substitute striker Kaung Chit Naing netted the winner against Singapore in a tough AFF Under-19 Championship Group B match played out in blistering conditions here at the National Sports Complex this afternoon.
Chit Naing, who came on for Zar Nay Ya Thu in the 66th minute, was lurking on the right of the box when found himself right in the path of a cross. He rushed in and headed in the first goal which would later turn out to be the winner.
As this is the opening match for Group B, Myanmar leads the standings, but that could all change after the second match between Malaysia and Timor Leste later tonight.
The 4pm kick-off is clearly not a favourite with the teams. So it was hardly surprising when the players needed some time to adjust to the blistering conditions. After the first ten minutes or so, the action began to heat up.
Myanmar started plotting their way through the defence and before long managed to make it through only for their forwards to miss their shots. Aung Kaung Mann and Zar Nay Ya Thu had a few looks but were unable to convert their chances.
At the end of a tough 45 minutes, the score was level as both teams gleefully headed to the dressing rooms for a much deserved break.
After a quick recharge and some words of wisdom from their coaches, the teams came on ready for the rest of the battle. Myanmar had the Lion’s share of the chances but missed. In the 53rd minute, Zar Nay Ya Thu’s solid header was gallantly tipped over by Benedict Loh but in the process fell heavily. Fortunately, he was alright and recovered to punch out the ensuing corner kick.
Ya Thu missed another shot in the 56th minute and was soon replaced by Chit Naing.
Singapore could have levelled the score three minutes from the end but Karthik Manimaren’s crisp shot was caught by Soe Arkar.
Singapore will face archrivals Malaysia next on Aug 25 while Myanmar has a two-day break before meeting Timor Leste on Aug 27.
TODAY’S RESULTS
Group B
Singapore 0 Myanmar 1
7.00pm: Malaysia vs Timor Leste
FIXTURES
Aug 24 (Group A)
4.00pm: Cambodia vs Brunei
7.00pm: Laos vs Thailand
Aug 25 (Group B)
4.00pm: Timor Leste vs Vietnam
7.00pm: Malaysia vs Singapore
Aug 26 (Group A)
4.00pm: Laos vs Brunei
7.00pm: Thailand vs Philippines
Note: For full fixtures and details, please go to www.aseanfootball.org
