Bjorn Kristensen kept his nerves from the spot as the Philippine Men’s National Football Team opened its ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Myanmar on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
The Filipino-Norwegian slipped his penalty past goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung in the 71st minute to draw the home side level in front of the 1,589 fans inside the historic venue.
Before Kristensen’s leveler, Mg Mg Lwin gave Myanmar the lead with a fantastic free kick in the 26th minute. Ye Yint Aung then thought he gave the visitors a two-goal cushion in the 63rd minute, only for VAR to rule it out.
Both the Philippines and Myanmar – which started its campaign with a 1-0 home loss to Indonesia last Monday – now have a point in Group B.
Albert Capellas’ side will seek its first win against Laos this Sunday in Vientiane while Myanmar will also face Laos but on Wednesday at its home pitch.
