Viet Nam was defeated by hosts Myanmar 2-1 in the last match of group B of the AFF U18 Championship on 13 September at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, knocking the Vietnamese team out of the tournament.

Vietnamese striker L​e V​an Nam (right) competes for the ball against a Myanmar opponent in the last match of group B of the AFF U18 Championship. (Photo: zing.vn)

The Vietnamese team finished third in the five-team group with nine points, tied with Indonesia and Myanmar, who both went through to the knock-out stages on goal difference and head to head record, respectively.

Before the match, Indonesia had crushed Brunei 8-0, booking their place in the semi-finals, and making the Viet Nam-Myanmar game a winner that takes all encounters.

Previously, Viet Nam had thrashed Brunei 8-1, beat the Philippines 5-0 and defeated Indonesia 3-0.

Viet Nam started fast and furious, with midfielder Nguyen Hong Son opening the scoring in only the second minute.

The visitors controlled the match in the first half, stifling Myanmar’s players and denying them a clear sight at goal.

In the second half, coach Hoang Anh Tuan’s team had several opportunities to double their lead but were found wanting, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.

Myanmar equalised in the 73^rd minute, with Sone Naing’s free kick teeing up Kaung Khant, and with the wind in their sales the home side took the lead 12 minutes later, after a mistake by Vietnamese goalkeeper Y E Li Nie allowing Lwin Moe Aung to score.

“We lost focus in the second half,” said Vietnamese winger Le Xuan Tu after the match. “We only have ourselves to blame for this. But we will be better next time.”

The hosts finished the game in control, giving them a 2-1 win and a ticket to the semi-finals.

(Source: VNA/ DA NANG Today)