MYANMAR was held to a dramatic 4-4 draw against Timor-Leste in their opening match of the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship group stage on 16 July in Indonesia.
Despite taking the lead multiple times, Myanmar could not hold onto their advantage and were forced to settle for a point, with a late equalizer from Timor sealing the result. The Timorese side featured several naturalized players and managed to frustrate Myanmar, who are under new head coach Karosaki from Japan. It was Karosaki’s first official tournament and first match in charge, and he is still without a win in international competition with the U23 side.
Heavy rain made conditions difficult, but Myanmar opened aggressively. In 13 minutes, Shine Wunna Aung scored the opener, followed by a 39-minute penalty converted by Zaw Win Thein to make it 2-0. Just before halftime, Timor pulled one back through Motar in added time, 45+2 minutes.
In the second half, Timor equalized in 53 minutes via Figo. Myanmar responded quickly – Than Toe Aung scored a header from a free kick rebound in 55 minutes, and Min Maw Oo fired in from distance in 61 minutes to restore a two-goal cushion. However, Myanmar again failed to control the game. Timor’s Canavaro scored in 75 minutes, and Alexandre struck deep into stoppage time (90+1) to snatch a draw.
Myanmar will next face Thailand in their final group match on 22 July. — Ko Nyi Lay/KZL
