Laos and Myanmar made winning starts to their respective FIFA ASEAN Cup Division 2 campaigns on Thursday.
Laos defeated 3-1 Brunei Darussalam in Group A in the opening game of the tournament while Myanmar were made to sweat before beating Timor-Leste 2-0 in Group B.
Laos got off to a dream start, taking the lead after four minutes when captain Bounphachan Bounkong slotted home from the penalty spot. The kick was awarded for a foul by Hariz Khallidden on Damoth Thongkhamsavath.
They extended their advantage after Phoutthavong Sangvilay made a pinpoint pass into the path of Xayasith Singsavang in the 24th minute, who calmly placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Haimie Nyaring.
Brunei Darussalam gradually began to gain a foothold in the game and pulled a goal back through Haziq Syamra on the stroke of half-time.
Laos regained control after the interval, however, and struck midway through the second half to make it 3-1.
Bounphachan’s powerful drive was parried by Nyaring in the 67th minute, but Bounxai Xernvanglieng was on hand to convert the rebound.
Myanmar 2-0 Timor-Leste
Myanmar forged ahead midway in the 19th minute when Win Naing Tun rose highest to head in Hein Htet Aung’s corner.
Timor-Leste responded well and carved out several opportunities. Joao Pedro’s fizzing shot was fumbled then scrambled clear by goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung, before Joao Varudo headed agonisingly wide.
Timor-Leste continued to mount pressure in the second half and only a superb Wai Lin Aung challenge prevented Joao Pedro from having a tap-in.
Myanmar looked a threat every time they attacked, though, and they finally struck the next blow. Captain Than Paing did the damage, planting a header in the 75th minute beyond goalkeeper Dylan Niski.
Timor-Leste kept fighting to the last and repeatedly got into promising positions in the final third. Corsino Lemos struck the post with a curling shot, but that was as close as they got as Myanmar closed out the victory.
