MYANMAR A, THAILAND SHARE THE SPOILS, MALAYSIA EDGE INDONESIA

But after 90 minutes of battling under extremely hot and humid conditions at the Aung San Stadium, both Myanmar A and Thailand proved to be evenly matched an ended up sharing points following a goalless draw.

The score, which virtually puts both teams in the semifinals, has set the stage for an all out assault in their final group match in two days.

Both sides will be on the hunt as the team with the highest number of goals scored will top the group.

Myanmar A and Thailand, which had scored identical 15-0 wins over their rivals in their opening matches, want to top the group to avoid an early date against pre-tournament favourites Australia in the crossover semifinals.

Myanmar A and Thailand, who face Indonesia and Malaysia in their last group fixtures on Tuesday, should not have any trouble against their weaker rivals.

In fact, Indonesia and Malaysia will be on the receiving end as they prepare for rivals who are out to score yet another avalanche of goals.

In today’s match, Myanmar A and Thailand threw everything they had at each other.

Thailand took charge in the beginning and tried without success to prise open their opponents defence.

Rattiyakorn Pra-Ang and Pranee Tanasan, who both scored four goals each against Indonesia in the opening game, pressured the defence but were unable to make it through.

Myanmar launched several counter-attacks but the lack of support upfront made it tough to get a decent crack at goal.

It was the same in the second half as both sides went flat out in search of goals.

Their untiring efforts however did not pay off as the match ended 0-0.

After the match, Thai manager Dr Kasom Chanawongse said that the fitness level of the Myanmar players was impressive.

He added that he was happy with the result considering today’s match but said that his girls would have to go great guns in the last match in order to top the group.

Myanmar coach Win Myint Thwin said his team had no choice but to go for the goals.

“We may need to score 16 or more goals to assure ourselves the top position in our group,” added Myint Thwin.

In the second match tonight, Malaysia edged Indonesia 2-1 in a closely contested game.

Both teams were equal in every sense but the Malaysians were slightly more fortunate and took their chances well to get away with the points.

Cynthia Ami scored both goals for Malaysia in the 4th and 10th minutes.

Indonesia squeezed one in between in the 6th minute through Yuliana Marike Muray.

With today’s result, Malaysia are third in Group A with three points.

Myanmar A and Thailand lead the group with four points each.

REMAINING FIXTURES

Tomorrow: Myanmar B vs Philippines (3.30pm) Australia vs Vietnam (6.00pm)

Oct 13: Myanmar A vs Indonesia (3.30pm), Malaysia vs Thailand (6.00pm)

Oct 14: Myanmar B vs Australia (3.30pm), Vietnam vs Philippines (6.00pm)

Oct 16: Semi-finals

Oct 18: Final

RESULTS

Oct 9 – Group A: Myanmar A bt Malaysia 15-0, Thailand bt Indonesia 15-0

Oct 10 – Group B: Vietnam bt Myanmar B 5-0, Australia bt Philippines 14-0

Oct 11 – Group A: Myanmar A vs Thailand 0-0, Malaysia bt Indonesia 2-1