THE group-stage football matches of the 33rd Thailand SEA Games continue today, with Myanmar’s U22 men’s team and senior women’s team set to face the Philippines in their opening fixtures.
In the women’s competition, Group B begins today at the IPE Chonburi Stadium in Chonburi. Myanmar will play the Philippines at 3:30 pm Myanmar Standard Time, while defending champions Vietnam will take on Malaysia at 6 pm Myanmar Standard Time. With Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines all strong contenders for qualification, each head-to-head match is expected to be a decisive one. Myanmar drew 1–1 with the Philippines in their most recent encounter during the ASEAN Women’s Championship group stage, and the team aims for an opening victory to strengthen its path to the semi-finals.
Men’s Group C fixtures also commence today at the Seven Hundredth Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai. Myanmar will meet the Philippines at 5:30 pm Myanmar Standard Time. Group C comprises Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. A win over the Philippines is essential for Myanmar to bolster their chances of progressing. Myanmar’s U22 squad, led by Japanese head coach Kurosaki, has not recorded a victory in recent international tournaments and now hopes to break that run at the SEA Games. — Ko Nyi Lay/KZL
