IN the first friendly match between Myanmar’s national team and Sri Lanka’s national team, held on 10 October at Thuwunna Youth Training Centre in Yangon, Myanmar emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.

That was Myanmar’s first international friendly of the year, and the team claimed a solid victory over Sri Lanka. It was also the debut match for new head coach U Myo Hlaing Win, who led the team to this promising start.

The Myanmar starting lineup included star players such as team captain Maung Maung Lwin, goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu, Nanda Kyaw, Soe Moe Kyaw, Thet Htein Soe, Hein Phyo Win, Zaw Win Thein, Kyaw Min Oo, Lwin Moe Aung, Hein Htet Aung, and Than Paing. Under the guidance of their new coach, Myanmar’s team is expected to focus more on collective team play rather than relying on individual efforts, which could improve their overall performance.

Despite missing a few key players, Sri Lanka’s team featured naturalized citizen players and key figures but struggled to find the net due to finishing issues.

Lwin Moe Aung scored Myanmar’s goals in 16 minutes, and Maung Maung Lwin from a penalty in 53 minutes, which was set up by Than Paing’s relentless effort.

The second friendly between the two teams will take place at 4 pm Myanmar Standard Time on 13 October at the Thuwunna Youth Training Centre. — Ko Nyi Lay/KZL