MYANMAR’S national football team claimed a 2-1 victory over Afghanistan in their opening match of Group E in the 2027 AFC Third-round qualifiers at the Thuwunna Youth Training Centre in Yangon yesterday.
After a disappointing second-round performance that saw them finish at the bottom of their group, Myanmar displayed much-improved form in the opening match of the third-round qualifiers.
Myanmar is grouped with Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan and their strong performance in the opening match boosted their confidence.
Myanmar’s head coach Myo Hlaing Win selected key players including Maung Maung Lwin, Thiha Zaw and Than Paing for the match. Myanmar started the match aggressively while Afghanistan focused on counter-attacks. Afghanistan took the lead in 14 minutes with a goal from striker Omid. However, Myanmar responded in 28 minutes with Than Paing heading in an equalizer. The score was 1-1 at halftime.
In the second half, Myanmar made tactical changes and in the 75th minute, Maung Maung Lwin scored the winning goal with a long-range shot which was victory for Myanmar.
Myanmar will face Pakistan in their next group match on 10 June as they will play away from home. — Ko Nyi Lay/KZL
