Myanmar In Semi Finals
By Dannie Abu Basrah

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei's hope of topping Group B which would ensure early qualification for the semifinals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for Under-21 Asean Youth Football Championship 2005 was dashed yesterday as Myanmar crushed those 60 at the Belapan field, to see them go through instead.

The match atmosphere was electrifying as the home supporters crowded the venue to see their heroes in action but left with disappointment as Brunei went down to a much- stronger and well-organised side.

Brunei started the game in confidence getting three free-kicks in the early 20th minutes but failed to score from all three attempts.

Despite the early warning from the home team, it was the visitors who displayed much better football with their neat passes and dangerous attacking play as Brunei gave away possession easily on several occasions.

After missing early attempts, Myanmar finally got the lead on the 23rd minute as skipper Yan Pang scored with a fierce strike from just outside the penalty box rattling the roof of the net.

Brunei could have levelled the game in the 38th minute but Mohammad Shahrazen bin Said failed to control his shot with only the Myanmar goalkeeper in front of him. Myanmar led with a solitary goal at the interval.

Two minutes after the restart, the Brunei defence was caught napping as Myanmar doubled their lead through Zaw Zaw who only needed a tap-in after being squared inside the box by Mar La.

As the game proceeded, Brunei made their third change on the 54th minute replacing Ak Mohammad Safri bin Pg Hj Otlunan with Md Faizul Ambotang.

With all three substitutes used up, matters got worse for the home team as skipper Sairol Sahari had to leave the field on the 60th minute for treatment for an injury but came back to play in pain.

Already leading 2-0, Myanmar took advantage of the situation as they netted four more goals before the final whistle.

Yan Pang scored the third, his second of the game on the 68th minute as he skillfully beat the Brunei defenders before calmly slotting the ball home.

Then on the 77th minute, Mar La added the fourth from close range as Sun Day Thein scored a double on the 81st and 87th minute to wrap up the match for Myanmar.

Although Brunei were not performing the way they should be signs of nervousness showed in some players. However, team manager Pg Hj Mohd Yusof believed Brunei could still qualify for the semifinals.

He also hoped that they could rectify their weaknesses before taking on Singapore in their final Group B match on Sunday, March 20.

Brunei coach Kwon Oh Son was sorry for the loss and blamed himself for the failure of his tactics.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's head coach, Ivan Venkov Kolev was happy with the win especially with the way they achieved it. Already assured of a semifinal spot, Ivan is planning to field a weaker team for their final group game against Laos on March 18. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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