Myanmar swamped Timor Leste 7-0 yesterday for its initial win at the start of Group B action in the 12th Asean Football Federation Championship at the Binan Stadium in Laguna.
Forwards July Kyaw and Myat Nhoe Kin had a brace each in the first and second half, respectively, as the Burmese completely dominated the outclassed Timorese throughout the match.
Team captain Khin Marlar Tun (38′), Wai Phoo Eain (45+1′) and Myat Nhoe Kin (60′) were the other goal scorers for the wards of coach Thet Thet Win, who were bronze medalists in the 2019 edition of the tournament held in Chonburi, Thailand, in earning three points.
Cambodia rallied from a 0-1 halftime deficit to draw Laos 1-1 in the other group match as both squads secured a point each.
Phimpa Tongsavang struck on a follow-up from close range in the 21st minute to put the Laotians ahead at the break but Cambodian defender Phoum Kunthea, who was taken down from behind inside the penalty box, tied the count in the 90th minute in converting her penalty kick.
Defending champion Vietnam makes its debut in the tournament tomorrow, Thursday, against Cambodia in one of two matches at the Binan Stadium, the other one pitting Laos against Timor Leste.