YANGON (5 Oct 2012) – A late strike from defender Yan Aung Win fired hosts Myanmar to their first three points of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 qualifying round here at the Youth Training Centre in Thuwunna.
With the game against Brunei seemingly heading to a scoreless draw, Aung Win’s volley with just six minutes left on the clock gave chief coach Park Sung Hwa a sigh of relief.
“The first match is always difficult and Brunei showed that they have improved a lot,” added Sung Hwa. “They are very well prepared to play against us and it showed.”
But with the injury suffered to inspirational striker Kyaw Ko Ko, the firing duty has been left squarely on Kaung Sithu with Kyi Lin supporting from the left. And Kyi Lin was easily the best player for his team with his darting runs and his ability to take shots at Wardun Yusof’s goal.
However, Brunei were no pushovers either with Mohd Shahrazen Said leading the attack alongside younger brother Adi. They came close twice just before the half hour mark but they just could not make it count against a determined Myanmar backline.
The second half brought on more action from both sides as the smattering crowd of well over 3,000 were kept entertained. Wardun as well as his opposite number at goal Thiha Si Thu made several saves to keep the score line intact.
But it was to be defender Aung Win who would have the final say in the game. With just six minutes left, Kyi Lin’s cross from the left was cleared by Wardun only for Aung Win to slam the ball home for the only goal in the game.
“The chance was even for either team to win the full points,” said Kwon Oh Son. “But we did not win because we did not make full use of our opportunities.
“We tried hard to compete so it was disappointing to concede the late goal.”
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