by Kevin Estrada
MANILA – The Philippines were left frustrated by Myanmar as they were forced to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw to open their campaign at the ASEAN Championship at the Rizal Memorial on Thursday evening, December 12.
Albert Capellas’ side were the head and shoulders the aggressor in the Group B tie, with 61% of the ball belonging to them alongside their shot count advantage at 23-8.
However, the Burmese Lions got out of Adriatico with a vital away point to revitalize their campaign, after opening their tournament with a slim loss at home to Indonesia three days prior.
Maung Maung Lwin put Myanmar ahead in the 25th minute with a neatly taken free kick with his left foot, rooting Philippines goalkeeper Patrick Deyto from the spot.
The attacking trio of Alex Monis, Bjorn Martin Kristensen and Jarvey Gayoso were guilty of missing clear-cut chances towards the end of the first half, but Myanmar goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung also made his name as he was stellar between the sticks to keep the lead at halftime.
Myanmar could have gone 2-0 up through substitute Ye Yint Aung in the 63rd minute, but the Video Assistant Referee came to rescue the hosts as it was chalked off with a high boot being spotted in the buildup.
That was the relief that the Filipinos had desperately hoped for, as nine minutes later Kristensen tucked away the spot kick past Zin Nyi’s left arm to level the match, after being clattered by the latter in the 68th minute.
However, the Dagon Star custodian came to save the day for Myanmar, frustrating the 1589-strong crowd deep into stoppage time after denying last-ditch efforts by Zico Bailey and substitute Javier Mariona.
PHILIPPINES: Deyto (GK), Tabinas, Linares, Reyes (Reichelt 87’), Gayoso (Mariona 62’), Kristensen, Monis (Bugas 77’), Bailey, Kekkonen (Baldisimo 62’), Kempter, Rontini (Aguinaldo 77’)
MYANMAR: Zin Nyi Nyi Aung (GK), Phyo Win, Thet Hein Soe, Nanda Kyaw (Oakkar Naing 55’), Lwin Moe Aung, Thiha Zaw, Maung Maung Lwin (Aung Wunna Soe 90+1), Wai Lin Aung (Aung Naing Win 55’), Aung Kaung Mann, (Ye Yint Aung 46’) Thiha Htet Aung, Zaw Win Thein (Myat Kaung Khant 74’)
