Shan United took the surprise lead in the Myanmar National League (MNL) 2017 when they beat basement side Gospel Asia FC (GFA) 2-1 this week.
But it was GFA who went ahead early in the 25th minute through Maung Maung Win before GFA replied with the equaliser through Christopher Chizoba in the 62nd minute.
Soe Min Oo then gave Shan the hard fought with the winner in the 75th minute.
“Our fans think this team can become champions, and I don’t disagree,” he said. “But the team is just a list of names – their mental state is more important to winning. I saw their mental victory in the second half of this game, and that made me proud.”
In the meantime, defending champions Yadanarbon picked up their first win of the new season when they beat Zwekapin United 1-0, with the only goal of the game coming in the 26th minute off midfielder Thet Naing.
Elsewhere, Chin United beat Southern Myanmar 1-0; Ayeyawady United drew 0-0 with Magwe; Hantharwady United drew 0-0 with Nay Pyi Taw while Yangon United also drawing scoreless against Rakhine United.
MYANMAR NATIONAL LEAGUE 2017 Current Standings
| No | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Shan United | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 6 |
| 2 | Yangon United | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 4 |
| 3 | Ayeyawady United | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| 4 | Yadanarbon | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| 5 | Chin United | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 6 | Zwegapin United | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 7 | Rakhine United | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 8 | Southern Myanma United | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| 9 | Hantharwady United | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 10 | Magwe | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 1 |
| 11 | Nay Pyi Taw | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| 12 | Gospel for Asia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
