Myanmar edged the Philippines, 2-1, to hand the hosts their first loss in Group A football action of the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Myanmar started hot and with impressive ball circulation had numerous attempts at the goal. Htet Wai finally found the mark and drew first blood for the visitors in the 16th minute mark.
Like in their 1-1 draw with Cambodia, the Filipinos showed resiliency.
Yrrick Gallentes initiated a game-tying goal on a cross to Dennis Chung, who set up Justin Baas for the equalizer just before the half.
Myanmar lost steam entering the second half which led the Azkals to take over in the offensive end, highlighted by a nutmeg play from Stephan Schrock.
But Baas missed to gain the upper hand for the country in the 60th minute.
Myanmar came alive after that with Tang setting up Myat Khant for the final tally.
“I am angry with my team because we had good chances in the first half. After the second half we had many misses,” Myanmar Coach Velizar Popov said.
Azkals Coach Goran Milojevic said he needs to go back to the drawing board. His wards take on 2017 silver medalists Malaysia on Friday 8 p.m. in the same venue.
“We saw the capability of the team in the past two games. We can easily play against Malaysia and it is time to go all out,” Milojevic said.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes