PETALING JAYA: There was a time when Malaysia would have been expected to beat Myanmar comfortably, even with a weakened squad.
But this year is different.
Myanmar have had a month of preparation and, for the first time in a while, a coach with genuine pedigree in Asian football.
Jorn Andersen, who has previously coached Hong Kong, has signed a two-year contract with the Chinthes and will take charge for the first time when Myanmar face Harimau Malaya in their opening AFF Hyundai Cup Group B match at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon today.
“I am delighted to be in Myanmar,” said the 63-year-old at a recent press conference in Yangon.
“I will work to help develop Myanmar players and achieve as much success as possible with the national team.”
The Myanmar Football Federation said Andersen was appointed “in recognition of his extensive international coaching experience, strong understanding of Asian football and proven ability to build competitive teams.
His coaching record includes a spell in charge of North Korea, where his side won eight of 14 matches and qualified for the 2019 Asian Cup — a campaign that made him the isolated nation’s first foreign head coach.
He was also credited with guiding Hong Kong to their first Asian Cup final appearance in more than five decades in 2023.
Myanmar have matched Andersen’s arrival with a strengthened squad, calling up several foreign-based players to field their strongest possible line-up.
The list includes Terengganu defender Kyaw Min Oo, Negri Sembilan midfielder Wai Linn Aung, wingers Than Paing, Hein Htet Aung, and star midfielder Maung Maung Lwin, now with Yangon United.
Although Myanmar are ranked 158th in the world — 22 places below Malaysia’s 136th — they are known for their tactical discipline and dangerous counter-attacking play.
With a full-strength squad, a new coach, and home support behind them, they will fancy their chances of springing an upset.
