Earthquake in U17 Asian qualifiers

U17 Myanmar created a shock in the qualifying round.

In this year's qualifying round, the young Myanmar team entered the competition with a flourish with 3 consecutive victories against U17 Afghanistan (3-1), U17 Nepal (4-0) and U17 Oman (2-0). Nine absolute points after 3 matches put them in the upper position, scoring a total of 9 goals and conceding only once.

Entering the final match against U17 Syria, an opponent with tradition and superior strength in West Asia, U17 Myanmar only needed a draw to maintain the top position in the group. And they did it when they played with tenacity and courage, holding their opponent to a 2-2 draw to close the qualifying round with 10 points, scoring 11 goals and only conceding 3.

This achievement brings Myanmar back to the AFC U17 Championship for the first time since 2006, after 19 years of waiting. In the context of football in the region struggling against the superiority of West Asian teams, Myanmar's speed to the finish line is even more special.

The success of Myanmar U17 opens a new chapter for youth football in this country when for many years, they were even underestimated in the Southeast Asian arena.

Under the leadership of the duo of coach Mita Michiteru and former national team striker Yan Paing, Myanmar U17 has been rebuilt into a young, combative, organized and disciplined team. This is a signal that Myanmar football is finding its way back after a long period of stagnation.