A nervous Myanmar side did just enough to beat the Philippines 4-0 for them to pick up the first full points in Group B of the AFF Women’s Championship at the Jaka Baring Stadium here in Palembang.
Following from yesterday’s blistering start to Group A where a total of 19 goals were scored, the challenge in Group B was a little more sedated although the Philippines did concede an early goal after just two minutes of play.
“The players were nervous as they were anxious for the win and the first full points,” said Myanmar head coach Win Thu Moe.
“They scored the first two goals and they seemed to forget what I told them after about team tactics after that. But the four goals were good enough.”
Under cool weather conditions at the sprawling Sriwijaya Sports Complex, it was Myanmar who grabbed the early attention as they pressed hard from the get go.
With the Philippines girls still finding their footing, Naw Arlo Wer Phaw ran in from the right for a grounder that caught Philippines keeper Inna Palacios off guard.
The Philippines defence got their act together to fend off the Myanmar frontline before Palacios goal was breached again in the 23rd minute through Khin Moe Wai.
Philippines striker Eva Madarang was easily the most hardworking player on the pitch but lack of support saw the several chances created totally wasted.
Myanmar were not pushing too hard to add to the scoreline although they did find the back of the net off Wei Theingi Tun in the 49th minute and July Kyaw in the 63rd minute.
