It was a stunning start as Timor Leste blasted the fastest goal of the AFF Under-19 Championship when they shot ahead in the very first minute. Myanmar, however, scored in the last minute to walk away with the precious draw at the National Sports Complex Stadium today.
Timor Leste’s goal was scored by striker Gelvanio Alberto while Aung Zin Phyo equalised for Myanmar.
The one point goes a long way for Myanmar as they now moved up a slot into second position behind Malaysia who top Group B with six points. Today’s point was Timor’s first of the tournament after they lost their first two matches to Malaysia and Vietnam. The standings could likely change after the second game later this evening between Malaysia and Vietnam.
Officials and fans, and probably the Myanmar players, had not yet settled down when the referee from Laos, Xaypaseuth Phongsannit, blew for a goal. They were stunned looks all round as the Timor Leste players celebrated.
Nelson Vegas received a fine pass from his teammate in the middle, raced down the left past the surprised Myanmar defenders and crossed into the box. Gelvanio Alberto timed his slide to perfection and connected the ball just 43 seconds into the game.
Fired up by the goal, the Timor players continued pressing their opponents. In the 11th minute, the skilful Henrique Wilson burst down the centre, cut to the right and slammed his shot which the goalkeeper managed to clear. A few minutes later, Nelson curled his shot towards the far corner but it was just off the mark.
After the break, it was all Myanmar as they took control and dictated terms. Timor Leste were left to wait for breaks to launch their attacks, and there were not many of those. Myanmar on the other hand threw everything they had at their opponents. They knew they needed at least a draw to keep their hopes alive.
After several misses, Myanmar had their best chance in the 88th minute. Aung Zin Phyo crossed into the box with Aung Kaung Mann racing in from the rear. He had a good shot but it came off the bar to the utter despair of the team. Just when it all looked over, Zin Phyo headed the ball over an out-of-position Timor goalkeeper to score the all-important equaliser.
TODAY’S RESULTS
Group B
Myanmar 1 Timor Leste 1
7.00pm: Vietnam vs Malaysia
FIXTURES
Aug 28 (Group A)
4.00pm: Philippines vs Cambodia
7.00pm: Brunei vs Thailand
Aug 29 (Group B)
4.00pm: Malaysia vs Myanmar
7.00pm: Singapore vs Vietnam
Aug 30 (Group A)
4.00pm: Thailand vs Cambodia
7.00pm: Laos vs Philippines
Aug 31 (Group B)
4.00pm: Timor Leste vs Singapore
7.00pm: Myanmar vs Vietnam
Note: For full fixtures and details, please go to www.aseanfootball.org
