SEA Games: Myanmar reaches football semis as Group A goes down the wire

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

BIÑAN CITY—Myanmar rallied from a goal down to edge Cambodia, 2-1, and book its place in the semifinals, leaving three other teams, including host Philippines to battle it out for the remaining berth in the medal round of the men’s football competition of the Southeast Asian Games.

Midfielder Lwin Moe Aung struck twice, including the match-winner three minutes from time, to send Myanmar to the medal round as first placer from Group A at Biñan Football Stadium.

Sin Sophanat handed the Cambodians the lead with a close-range effort in the 23rd minute, but they missed the opportunity to put themselves in a prime position to reach the next round after conceding that late goal.

Malaysia whipped Timor Leste, 4-0, at Rizal Memorial Stadium in the other Group A clash.

The results meant Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines are all tied with four points from three matches.

Cambodia owns the superior goal difference at plus-4, but it has to play Malaysia (+3) on Wednesday at RMS at 8 p.m. when the Young Azkals take on Timor Leste in Biñan.

The most ideal scenario for the Young Azkals is a victory against Timor Leste and a draw between Malaysia and Cambodia. But a victory either by Malaysia or Cambodia means the Philippines would need not only a win, but to also jack up its goal difference against the only winless team in the tournament.

Tiebreakers will be determined by goal difference first and goals scored. The fair play criteria will come into play should the teams remain level after the first two tiebreakers.