YANGON (7 Dec 2013) – A double from Myanmar striker Kyaw Ko Ko made it easy picking of a depleted Cambodian side when they strolled to a 3-0 win in the second game of Group B here at the Youth Training Centre.
Buoyed by an almost sell-out crowd, Myanmar pressed hard but it was Cambodia who came close in the 13th minute when Chinn Choeun blasted in the ball which came off recovering Myanmar defender Zaw Min Tun for a futile corner.
But just three minutes later, a seemingly innocuous floater from David Htan from the right was headed into goal by Min Tun as he rose above the Cambodian defensive line to put the ball beyond the reach of keeper Sou Yaty.
A string of chances later could not find an equal finisher up until the 35th minute, when striker Kyaw Ko Ko added the second goal for Myanmar when he headed in the cross from Kyi Lin.
Following the two goals at the start of the second half Ko Ko, who plays for Myanmar National League (MNL) champions Yangon United then grabbed his second and Myanmar’s third with a typical striker finish from just inside the box.
With Cambodia unable to get into the last quarter of the pitch, it was left to Rous Samouen and also Sok Pheng to get into the scoring act with several attempts from outside the box, which all fell short of beating in form Myanmar keeper Pyae Phyo Aung.
“I’m satisfied with the results, it was important to get the three points from the first match,” said Myanmar coach Park Sung-hwa. “It has certainly put us in a very good position for our next match (against Timor Leste).
Countered Cambodian coach Lee Tae-hoon: “we missed the four players sorely and it showed tonight.”
