YANGON (5 Sept 2017) – A double from Indonesian striker Egy Maulana Vikri broke hosts Myanmar’s heart as the latter fell to a 2-1 loss in the second game of Group B of the AFF Under-18 Championship.
What made the defeat for Myanmar even harder to swallow was the fact that the winner came very late in the game with just seconds left of the tie.
“I may have scored the two goals but the win is for the whole team. I could not have scored without the support of everyone else,” said Egy afterwards.
In the match that was attended by more than 5,000 fans considering that it was a working day, the Myanmar lads played with full vigour.
And the team which had only recently beaten compatriots Thailand in a Bangkok friendly recently, wasted no time in pressing their opponents as Indonesia soaked up the onslaught from Pyae Sone Naing n Co.
Under enormous pressure, a defensive mistake from Indonesia in the 28th minute saw Sone Naing winning possession before running down the left for a cross that was met by Myat Khaung Khant at the far post.
A different Indonesia came into the second half as they took the match to Myanmar and were matching the home team for everything.
In the 72nd minute, a dipping shot from Saddil Ramdani was blocked by Myanmar keeper Htet Wai Yan Soe but Egy was on hand to head the ball in for the equaliser and silenced the almost festive crowd.
That goal seemed to have rocked Myanmar’s foundation as they seem floundered, leading them to make mistakes after mistakes to allow Indonesia to grow in confidence.
And just when Myanmar thought that they had done enough for the one point on the night, came Egy from the right who ran past his marker for a tight shot past Yan Soe which came off the far post and into goal.
“I was not impressed by Indonesia in the second half. If we had not panic and made mistakes, we would have won the game,” added Myanmar head coach Rabah Benlarbi.
RESULTS – GROUP B
Philippines 2 Brunei DS 3
Indonesia 2 Myanmar 1
FIXTURES – GROUP A
6 Sept 2017
1500: Malaysia vs Singapore (Aung San Stadium)
1500: Cambodia vs Timor Leste (Thuwunna Stadium)
1800: Laos vs Thailand (Thuwunna Stadium)
