Myanmar crushes PH Malditas in AFF Women’s Championship opener

Myanmar made a huge statement in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship, dealing the Philippine women’s football team a 4-0 blow at the Jaka Baring Stadium in Palembang, Indonesia on Sunday. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA — Myanmar made a huge statement in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship, dealing the Philippine women’s football team a 4-0 blow at the Jaka Baring Stadium in Palembang, Indonesia on Sunday.

Myanmar’s Naw Arlo Wer Phaw scored the opening goal just two minutes in, finding some space from the right side and drilling a grounder against Inna Palacios of Malditas.

While the Malditas finally got their defensive acts together later in the first half, Khin Moe Wai got past the backline and scored Myanmar’s second goal in the 23rd minute.

Wei Theingi Tun made it 3-0 in the 49th minute, while July Kyaw capped the rout with her goal in the 63rd minute.

Coach Win Thu Moe, however, said that he is not that impressed with his team despite the blowout.

“The players were nervous as they were anxious for the win and the first full points,” said Myanmar’s chief tactician. “They scored the first two goals and they seemed to forget what I told them after about team tactics after that. But the four goals were good enough.”

The win, coupled by a 1-1 draw between host team Indonesia and Singapore later in the night, pushed Myanmar to the top of Group B with the full three points.

Meanwhile, the Malditas now need to defeat both Singapore and Indonesia to have a chance of making it to the semifinals.