PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya came from behind to beat Myanmar 2-1 in their opening Hyundai AFF Cup Group B match at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Saturday (July 25).
Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe handed first caps to centreback Rodney Celvin Akwensivie, winger G. Pavithran and fullback Alif Ahmad in the starting eleven, but Malaysia struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.
Myanmar took the lead in the 10th minute when winger Win Naing Thun capitalised on a quick counter-attack, forcing a save from Rodney.
Myat Khaung Kang pounced on the rebound to put the hosts ahead.
Naing Thun almost doubled the lead in the 45th minute after latching onto a fine pass from Khaung Kang, but his effort struck the crossbar.
Malaysia tried to wrestle control of the midfield with Sergio Aguero and Endrick dos Santos spearheading it, but Myanmar’s defence held firm to preserve their lead heading into the break.
The Malaysians turned the game around after the interval.
Striker and captain Paulo Josue struck twice in the space of five minutes, first in the 52nd minute and again in the 57th, to complete the turnaround.
Winger Mohamadou Sumareh was the architect behind both goals, setting up the first and winning the penalty that Josue converted for the second.
Myanmar responded by leaning on Naing Thun’s pace and directness, but Malaysia’s defence stood firm to see out the result.
Midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal and playmaker Daryl Sham George were introduced in the 73rd minute to earn their own national debuts and add fresh legs to the side.
Myanmar piled on the pressure with numerous crosses and chances but the Malaysians were able to hold on to their win.
