MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine men’s football team opened its 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign settling for a draw against Myanmar, 1-1, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Thursday, December 12.
Bjorn Kristensen’s goal in the 72nd minute forced the equalizer off a penalty kick for the Philippines following Myanmar goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung’s yellow-card infraction.
Myanmar was leading for most of the game after Mg Mg Lwin scored on a free kick for the first conversion of the matchup.
The Burmese almost led 2-0 in the second half, but Laat Wai Phon’s goal in the 63rd minute was nullified via VAR (video assistant referee), allowing the Filipinos to avert an upset at home.
Javier Mariona, Zico Bailey, Michael Baldisimo, and Kristensen had looks in the final stretch of the match, but Myanmar’s backline kept the Filipinos at bay to seal the draw.
The Philippines controlled most of the game with 22 shots, of which 8 were on target, against Myanmar’s 8-shot tally.
With the draw, the Filipinos jumped to the third spot of Group B with one point, while Myanmar stood at fourth after their opening loss against Laos.
The Philippines will play Laos on December 15 at the New Laos National Stadium in Vienttiane before returning to Manila on December 18 against Vietnam. – Rappler.com