THONG NHAT (10 August 2019) – Myanmar picked up a crucial win in Group A of the AFF Under-18 Next Media Cup 2019 when they edged Timor Leste 1-0 in the match that was played at the Thong Nhat Stadium.
With powerhouse Indonesia already taking a five-goal lead at the half against Brunei DS across town at the Binh Duong Stadium, Myanmar had to be cautious against a determined Timor Leste side before getting the all-important goal in the second half.
“This game is very important as we know that we have to win to keep pace with Indonesia. But at the same time too, we had to be cautious in that we were playing against an experienced Timorese side,” said Myanmar head coach Soe Myat Win after the match.
With the match swinging from under the heat and then a sudden downpour, the only thing consistent in the tie was the performance of both teams as they played it safe and were not letting much space to roam.
And considering what is at stake where winning the full points would certainly have an effect for a place in the next round, chances were few with Timor ‘s Orcelio Da Silva testing Myanmar keeper Nay Lin Htet at the half-hour mark with a crisp shot that forced a fabulous block from the latter.
Myanmar finished the first half with their first real chance in the 43rd minute with a playback from Hein Htet Aung that was ballooned over by striker La Min Htwe.
There was no throwing caution to the win well into the second half as while Myanmar maintained their cautiousness, they still pushed forward in search of the goal.
And it finally came in the 71st minute when substitute Moe Swe latched on to a freekick from Yan Kyaw Soe.
Timor Leste tried to look for late salvation but it never came as Myanmar stuck to their guns for the third full points of their campaign.
