Philippines draws Myanmar in AMEC 2024 opener

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine men's national football team saved a point in the opening game of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup Group B, tying Myanmar, 1-1, on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Center forward Bjorn Kristensen sank his penalty kick in the 71st minute that he earned after getting deckes by Burmese goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung.

The goal delighted the Filipino home crowd as it negated the early goal of Mg Mg Lwin, when he scored a free kick from 20 yards top of goal in the 20th minute.

It was a tense game from start to finish as the video assisted referee, being used in the ASEAN Men's Championship for the first time, disallowed a goal by Myanmar substitute Ye Yint Aung in the 63rd minute, as the passer, Lwin, was in an offside position.

"Myanmar has always been and is always a tough team in ASEAN," said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez.

"The last time we met them in 2021, it took a hat-trick by Bienvenido Maranon to beat them, 3-2," he continued.

"Nonetheless, we've played with better possessions even though we could not field some of our top men and your PFF is proud to have showcased this refreshing way of playing football in front of our kababayan. We are on course in improving our 2022 standing and hopefully, to be able to return to the semifinal," Gutierrez said.

The Philippines had chances to earn the three points late in the game, but dangerous strikes by newcomer Javier Mariona in the 81st minute and Paul Tabinas in the 86th minute were slightly off target.

Myanmar also had a chance to score a goal on-side but veteran goalkeeper Patrick Deyto made a clutch one-handed save on an on-target volley shot by Lwin in the 88th minute.

Central midfielder Zico Bailey unleashed a rocket from far range but his on-target shot was saved by Aung in the 90+5th minute while Michael Baldisimo skied the Philippines' final strike to close the game.

The Philippines will vie for a win as they visit Laos in Vientiane on Sunday, December 15.

"Sunday will be our best chance to get in the winning column and we call our kababayans in Laos to support our men's national team on Sunday," closed Gutierrez.