MYANMAR ARE THE ASEAN WOMEN CHAMPIONS

The score at the end of the regulatory 90 minutes was scoreless before Myanmar nailed the lead in the 92nd minute off Khim Moe Wai for to Thailand to reply off Pitsamai Sornsai in the 105th minute to force the game into penalty shootouts.

“I have to admit that at the start of the tournament, Thailand were considered to be the best team,” said Myanmar head coach Aye Kyu.

“But later we found that there are weaknesses in their game which we can exploit. And after beating them in the group stage, we realised that we can actually win over them again in the final.

“And in the final, we prepared for every eventualities and even practice for the penalties.”

Both teams started the game on an earnest note with Thailand pressing hard in the first half with Sunisa Srangthaisong and Chidtawan Chawonge providing much of the ammuntion for Pitsamai Sornsai.

It was Myanmar who had the first real good look at goal when in the 14th minute, Zin Mar Win’s header was blocked by Thai custodian Waraporn Boonsing.

Thailand ended the first half with a Wilaiporn Boothduang drive which had Myanmar keeper May Khin Ya Min scrambling for the save.

Thailand were more determined in the second half with Junpen Seesraum unleashing a dipping shot which narrowly missed the target while Myanmar had a double chance from My Nilar Htwe denied by Waraporn.

But there was no denying Myanmar the lead in the 92nd minute when a cross from Khin Marlar Tun was headed in by Khin Moe Wai to send the more than 20,000 fans into rapturous delight.

Just when Myanmar thought that they had the title in the bag came Pitsamai to stab the ball home off a melee in the 105th minute.

And while Junpen managed to convert her kick for Thailand, the miss from midfielder Sukunya Paengtham and then captain Suphaporn Kaeobaen gave Myanmar the win and the crown.

Moe Moe War, Than Than Htwe, Khin Marlar Tun and San San Thien all converted their kicks for Myanmar.

IN THE MEANTIME, Viatnam took third spot in the AFF Women’s Championship 2007 when they beat Malaysia 6-0 in the fight for third and fourth placing.

The scorers for Vietnam were Do Thi Ngo Cham (8th minute), Nguyen Thi Kim Tien (21st), Le Thi Hong Nga (26th), Dao Thi Mien (71st, Tran Thi Kim Hong (76th) and Bui Thi Tuyet Mai (79th).

ASEAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 ROLL OF HONOUR

CHAMPION: MYANMAR

RUNNERS-UP: THAILAND

THIRD: VIETNAM

FOURTH: MALAYSIA

FAIR PLAY AWARD: VIETNAM