Myanmar solidified its bid of advancing into the semifinals while sending Cambodia out of contention, 3-0, in Group B action of the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship, Saturday afternoon at the Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan, Laguna.
With the win, the Asian Lionesses took the lead in the group with six points on two wins, ahead of Laos’ four points. Holders Vietnam is at three points below the two squads and has a match at hand against the latter later in the evening.
It was a surprising start to the match as the Cambodian squad held itself up against the more favored Burmese despite being at the back foot for most of the time. That defensive intensity almost cost them Vibol Serysitha who fell to the ground while preventing a goal-scoring chance from Myanmar. Fortunately, she came back to her feet after a few minutes.
Myanmar, though, finally got one at the back of the net in the 33rd minute after several attempts. Captain Khin Marlar Tun unleashed from the top of the box a booming strike that was out of Cambodian keeper Chen Soveat’s reach.
It was more of the same in the second half as the Thet Thet Win-mentored side continued to boss Cambodia around with most of the possession. Eventually, it led to another goal in the 60th minute with Myat Noe Khin getting on the board.
The two-goal advantage nearly stood up to the end of the match, but when the Burmese side found another opportunity, they made it count. A strike from Khin Moe Wait at the 89th minute was all but the final straw on Cambodian’s campaign and brought Myanmar closer to another semifinal appearance.
The 2019 bronze medalists will try to keep the winning streak going when they face Laos in a crucial battle on July 11 at 4:00 PM, still in the same Biñan venue.
Meanwhile, Cambodia bowed out of the tournament with one point from a draw and three losses. It will take on Timor Leste (0-0-2, 0 pts.) in its final game on July 13 at 7:00 PM at the City of Imus Grandstand in Imus, Cavite.
Myanmar XI – Myo Mya Mya Nyein (GK), Khin Than Wai, Phyu Phyu Win, Naw Htet Htet Wai, Myat Noe Khin, Khin Marlar Tun (C), Khin Myo Win, July Kyaw, Nant Zu Zu Htet, Lin Mynt Mo. Khin Mo Mo Tun
Cambodia XI – Soveat (GK), Serysitha, Sreyneth, Li, Samnang, Yeurn, Vipha, Cheavey (C), Kunthea, Saody, Sreilas
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Catch the entire 2022 AFF Women’s Championship live on SMART Sports and Puso Pilipinas from July 4-18.
