Winning starts for Myanmar, China in AFC U-19 Championship 2018 Qualifiers
Phnom Penh: Myanmar were in sublime form while China PR did just enough as both teams kicked off their AFC U-19 Championship 2018 Group G qualifying campaigns with wins at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.
Myanmar, who beat the Philippines 6-0, look the lead in the ninth minute through a strong header from captain Soe Moe Kyaw.
The White Angels continued to pile on the pressure, but were let down by poor finishing and some fine work from Philippines goalkeeper Quincy Julian Kammeraad, who was kept on his toes for most of the match.
Myanmar kept pressing, however, and their efforts were rewarded in the 40th minute when Myat Kaung Khant (pictured above, No 8) cooly slotted home their second goal.
Lwin Moe Aung then added Myanmar's third goal to his name with a blistering shot in the 55th minute before captain Moe Kyaw found the back of the net again with a clinical finish in the 69th minute.
In the 82nd, midfielder Kaung Khant put Myanmar 5-0 up when he was gifted with an empty goalmouth, and then proceeded to let fly a scorcher of a free-kick four minutes later to claim his hat-trick and seal an emphatic win for Myanmar.
Chit Naing: Myanmar head coach
“We started out without much confidence, but as soon as we scored the first goal, my boys started to regain their touches, especially in the second half. I am happy with the way the team played, and will look to repeat our performance in our upcoming matches.”
Jose Maria Aberasturi: Philippines head coach
“The last time we met Myanmar, we lost 7-0. Today’s game and score of 6-0 was an improvement in terms of scoreline. But our tournament is not finished yet. We will forget this game, and give our best in the next two games.”
China broke Cambodian hearts when they scored in the 92nd minute to carve out a hard-earned 1-0 win over the hosts.
The only goal of the match came from forward Tao Quianlong, who was brought in to replace defender Jin Haoxiang in the 70th minute.
The super-sub found the back of the net during a goalmouth melee in added on time.
While Cambodia had the first shot at goal right after kick-off, the Chinese were the ones applying the pressure in the first 15 minutes, feeding long balls to forward Yeerfan Yezimujiang who proved a constant menace with his darting runs down the centre of the field.
The tide changed after 20 minutes, however, with Cambodia making numerous attempts at goal, only to see their efforts fizzle out at the goalmouth or stopped by the Chinese, who used their superior height to great defensive advantage.
Yezimujiang’s closest attempt was in the 37th minute, but he sent his shot off-target with only goalkeeper Chea Vansak to beat.
Cambodia’s best attempt came in the 60th minute, but forward Touch Kimory could only manage a feeble shot straight at Chinese keeper Peng Peng.
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com
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