26 August
THE Myanmar national women’s football team have failed to make it to the finals of the AFF Women’s Championship 2019 after losing to host Thailand by 3-1 yesterday at the Institute of Physical Education (IPE) Stadium in Chonburi, Thailand.
Team Myanmar launched an open attack from the start and created big goal chances. They put pressure on Thailand with fast attacks by players such as Wai Wai Aung, who broke the offside trap in the fourth minute that was denied by Thailand’s goalie Sengyong Yada. Again, ten minutes later, Khin Marlar Tun’s stinger was blocked by the Thailand keeper. Team Thailand scored their opening goal at 19 minutes, with a cross from PramNak Nutwadee, which was headed into the goal by Somsai Pitsamai. Myanmar tried to equalize the goal, but all their efforts were blunted by Thailand’s clever defenders. The first half finished with Thailand leading by one goal. In the second half, Win Thingi Tun made another goal chance at 68 minutes, but missed the net by inches. Thailand won their second goal at 81 minutes, with a dipping shot from Thailand star Thongsombut.
Thailand secured their third goal with a header by Intamee Silawan, assisted by Thongsombut, and the goal broke the hearts of Myanmar fans. “Though we managed to beat Myanmar, it was not an easy win,” said Thai football star Thongsombut Rattikan “It was a hard game against Myanmar, but now, we are looking forward to the final. Matches against Viet Nam have always been very interesting and competitive,” added Thongsombut. In an earlier semifinal match of the tourney, Viet Nam beat Philippines by 2-1. With the win, Thailand will take on Viet Nam in the final match, and Myanmar and the Philippines will fight for the third place on 27 August.—Lynn Thit (Tgi)
