Myanmar booked its place in the semifinals of the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Laos, Monday afternoon in the testy conditions at the Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan, Laguna.
The win put Myanmar ahead of Group B with nine points on an unscathed 3-0-0 win-draw-loss record ahead of current holder Vietnam’s six points, who has a match at hand later in the evening.
The result also ended Laos’ stint at four points on a 1-1-2 slate.
The match was delayed for almost 20 minutes as a thunderstorm deemed the pitch unplayable before the kickoff time of 4:00 PM. Despite some portions of the pitch still with puddles, the officials eventually cleared the field.
Myanmar dictated the pace of the match from the get-go and dealt well enough with the pitch situation to launch several good looks at the Laotian goal. Finally, with much pressure, the red shirts got their well-deserved go-ahead goal in the 39th minute.
San Thaw Thaw delivered a pass intended for her captain Khin Marlar Tun into the box but was met by Laotian defender Panatida Phothisane. Phothisane tried to clear the ball wide on her run, but instead, it went into the back of the net and past her goalkeeper Bangon Phonexay.
The Asian Lionesses tried to double their lead before the break but Laos did its part on the defensive end to keep the deficit at one.
Myanmar though would not let the slim advantage stand for long as just two minutes into the second half, the side bagged its second of the day. Captain Khin Marlar Tun had the composure to go on with the play, slotting that ball into the goal.
Things opened up for both sides after the second goal as neither team found the back of the net. Myanmar put the match away at the 64th minute with July Kyaw scoring on a glancing header.
Then Laos would be denied one of its own two minutes after with skipper Aphatsala Chanthavongxay getting through.
Both squads tried to add to the scoreline, but the final whistle eventually sounded with the 2019 bronze medalists advancing to yet another semifinal.
The semifinal-bound Myanmar will take on Vietnam (2-0-0, 6 pts.) on July 13 at 7:00 PM at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Myanmar XI – Zu Latt Nadi (GK), Aye Aye Moe, Khin Than Wai, Win Theingi Thun, San Thaw Thaw, Myat Noe Khin, Khin Marlar Thun (C), Zune Yu Ya Oo, July Kyaw, Nant Zu Zu Htet, Pont Pont Pyae Maung
Laos XI –Phonexay (GK), Vongsengthong, Thongsavang, Vannalath, Chanthavongxay (C), Boling, Photisane, Inthaphone, Chanthitong, Phongphailath, Chaikham
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Catch the entire 2022 AFF Women’s Championship live on SMART Sports and Puso Pilipinas from July 4-18.
