CLASSY MYANMAR SET UP FINAL BATTLE WITH THAILAND

At the Youth Training Centre Stadium this evening, Myanmar knocked in three goals in the first half and added two more after the break to secure a convincing 5-0 win and claim their precious place in the final.

Last out of four teams in the previous year’s tournament, Myanmar came out fighting right from the start and it was obvious they were looking for an early break. Malaysia however had other plans and were prepared for their attackers. But they could only hang on for 20 minutes before Zin Mar Wann nodded Myanmar ahead.

A sizzling long-range attempt from Su Su Wai, from about 20-metres out, crashed into the Malaysian goal. A third goal from Moe Moe War in the dying minutes of the first half sealed Malaysia’s loss.

Mar Wann added a second goal to her tally when her freekick found the mark. With four minutes remaining, substitute Khin Moe Wai completed the rout to the delight of the 12,000 home fans.

Needless to say, the Myanmar coach U Aye Kyu was satisfied with the team’s performance. “We had a good first half and since we had a three-goal lead, we decided to make some changes. We had to be cautious as we had four players carrying cautions. And that was why our tempo slowed down after the break,” Aye Kyu said.

Malaysia coach Mohd Shah Norbit was also pleased despite the loss.

“Myanmar are good and I congratulate them for making the final. We tried our best to hold them but they were too good. In fact, my players did well today, they have improved with every match but still, we have a long way to go,” Mohd Shah said.