Myanmar pull out of AFF U-23 tourney, leaving Malaysia with just one group match to play

PETALING JAYA: It looks like Malaysia will only play one group B game in the AFF Under-23 Championship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Harimau Muda were supposed to start their campaign Tuesday (Feb 15), but opponents Myanmar pulled out of the competition due to a spate of Covid-19 cases in their team.

The Asean Football Federation (AFF) issued a statement on the matter on Tuesday afternoon.

"The Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) has informed the AFF today that they have withdrawn from the AFF U-23 Championship 2022 due to Covid-19 complications," it said in the statement.

"As part of the health and safety measures for the ongoing tournament, the Myanmar U23 team has undergone regular tests before and after arriving in Cambodia.

"Following confirmation of positive tests among a number of players, a decision has been taken to withdraw the team from the tournament to help minimise the risk of further infection.

"Players and staff identified to be close contacts have also been placed in isolation for observation," the statement read.

Malaysia will only play one match against Laos at the Prince Stadium on Friday (Feb 18).