MYANMAR beat Philippines by 1-0 in the AFF U-15 boys’ championship, held yesterday at the Stadium of Institute of Physical Education in Chonburi, Thailand. Myanmar lined up with goal keeper Aung Kyaw Phyo, Htoo Myat Khant, Kaung Htet Paing, Moe Khant, Hein Htet Zaw Win, Wai Yan Lin Thu, Kyaw Min Khant, Wai Phone Myint Kyaw, Sai Sai Enn Htoo, Captain Lat Wai Phone, and Aung Ko Min.
It was a tough match for Myanmar, with the Philippines team, which had prepared well, dominating the play in the first half. The Philippines team made all-out efforts, and the match almost ended in a draw, until the 74th minute, when Myanmar youth star Yan Naung Tun pounced on a loose ball and sent it directly into the net, past the Philippines goal keeper, to land the first and only goal in the match.
After the match, Myanmar coach Torssten Spittler said the match was not a good one from his team’s perspective, but he was happy with the result.
“I had a serious talk with them at halftime because I was not satisfied with what happened in the first half. Fortunately, they changed and started to fight for the ball. I had told them before the match to shoot low as the Philippines keeper was tall.
It took some time till they understood what I meant.” Speaking about Yan Naung Tun’s goal, he said: “I think it was the first shot, a really low shot, and the goalkeeper could not block it and we scored.” “It was not a good match from our side, but I’m happy with the win. We still have a long way to go,” he added.
With the 1-0 win, team Myanmar are now standing fourth with 4 points in Group A of the tourney, while Timor Leste and Indonesia are placed first and second with 7 points each, and Viet Nam is third with 6 points.— Lynn Thit (Tgi)
