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Thursday August 23, 2007

Myanmar through, Malaysia need to beat Lesotho to qualify for semis

By ERIC SAMUEL

PETALING JAYA: Defending champions Myanmar clinched a ticket to the semi-finals of the Merdeka Tournament when they defeated 10-man Malaysia 2-1 in a Group A match at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya last night.

It was Myanmar's second straight win after having edged Lesotho 1-0 in their opening match on Monday.

Aung Myo Thant put Myanmar in front in the 42nd minute and seasoned campaigner Yan Paing increased the lead in the 50th minute. Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak pulled a goal back for Malaysia in the 70th minute.

Malaysia, who had defeated Laos 2-0, will have to beat Lesotho in their final group match on Saturday to advance. Myanmar will wrap up their fixtures against winless Laos.

In an earlier match, Lesotho defeated nine-man Laos 3-1.

Happiness: Myanmar players celebrate their victory over Malaysia in their Group A match in the Merdeka Tournament on Wednesday. Myanmar won 2-1. – KAMARUL ARIFFIN / The Star
The Malaysian Under-23 team suffered an early blow when striker Mohd Safee Sali was sent off after only 40 seconds of play for elbowing Zaw Lynn Tun.

Against the run of play, Myanmar struck. Myo Thant sent in a curling shot from 30 metres out in the 42nd minute and goalkeeper Nasril Nourdin was caught out of position.

Five minutes into the second half, Yan Paing connected a low cross inside the box to beat Nasril from close range to put Myanmar two-up.

Twenty minutes from time, Malaysia reduced the deficit when Mohd Zaquan beat Aung Aung Oo with a stiff grounder from outside the box.

Laos had two players sacked in the match against Lesotho.

They were Somsanouk Lovanxay (64th) and Kovanh Namthavixay (81st). Lesotho's Muso Sello also saw red in the 76th minute.

The African side won the match with goals by Potse Refiloe (3rd), Maipato Tefo (6th) and Moleko Katleho (23rd). The scorer for Laos was Visay Phaphouvanin (26th).

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