Striker Myat Kaung Khant ‘s solitary first half strike was enough to put Myanmar in the final of the AFF BIDC Under-16 Championship when they beat Laos 1-0 in the first semi-final here at the National Olympic Stadium.
“We knew that it was always going to be tough,” said Myanmar coach Eric Williams. “We created a lot of chances but we could only managed to score once. But it was good enough.”
The game was fairly even at the start as both teams put up some fine display of attacking football.
Hein Htet Aung, Htet Phyoe Wai and also Win Naing Tun were in the attack from all fronts as they tested Laos keeper Xaynakhone Dalasean in the first quarter.
Laos had their fair chance but they seem to lack the confidence they have shown in their previous matches as Nilanh Inthapanya and also Bounphachan Bounkong continue to struggle with the attacking options.
But in the end, Kaung Khant’s opportunistic strike was the only thing that separated the two teams.
Off a cross from the right, the unmarked Kaung Khant fired in the winner in the 32nd minute of play.
Laos tried to get back into the game in the second half but Myanmar stood firm for their first final since 2005.
AFF BIDC U16 CHAMPIONSHIP
SEMI-FINALS RESULT
Laos 0 Myanmar 1
