Facing a much weaker opponent, Myanmar, U23 Thailand showed that they are a strong candidate for the Southeast Asian football championship. They controlled the game well and put pressure on U23 Myanmar's field right after the opening whistle.

However, it was not until the 21st minute that U23 Thailand scored the opening goal. Chukid passed the ball back to Phodchara, who shot the ball into the far corner to open the score for U23 Thailand. In the 32nd minute, it was Chukid who doubled the gap for U23 Thailand after a mistake by the Myanmar defense, Chukid seized the opportunity to shoot past goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu, raising the score to 2-0 for U23 Thailand.

A situation of aerial ball dispute between players of two teams. Photo: AFF

After conceding 2 goals, U23 Myanmar still could not create pressure in front of U23 Thailand's goal. U23 Myanmar was not only at a disadvantage but also completely deadlocked in finding opportunities to score and shorten the gap. The first half ended, the home team U23 Thailand temporarily led 2-0 against U23 Myanmar.

After the break, the match became more exciting when U23 Myanmar pushed up their squad to press right on U23 Thailand's half and created delicious chances but still could not score a goal to shorten the gap for Myanmar.

In the 87th minute, U23 Myanmar once again conceded a goal. From the situation where a U23 Myanmar defender used his hand to block the ball in the penalty area, the referee immediately awarded U23 Thailand a penalty. From the 11m mark, Yostsakon did not miss the opportunity to seal a 3-0 victory for the home team U23 Thailand.

* In the previous match in Group A, U23 Cambodia had a smooth start when they easily won 5-0 against U23 Brunei. This resounding victory will certainly bring a comfortable mentality to U23 Cambodia before entering the match against U23 Myanmar.

TUAN DIEP

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