Myanmar came from behind to defeat Afghanistan 2-1 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round Group E tie.
With Syria having already secured top spot in the group, Myanmar’s win was nothing more than for pride as the Southeast Asian side confirmed they will finish no lower than second.
Afghanistan benefited from Sann Sat Naing’s mistake in the 10th minute to open the scoring with the Myanmar custodian’s poor kick seeing the ball go straight to Qamaruddin Maziar, whose shot was palmed away but Omid Popalzay was on hand to slam home the rebound.
Myanmar had chances through Than Paing but the forward sliced one effort horribly wide when put through before guiding a near post header off target before Popalzay saw his header turned away by Sann.
Than’s perseverance paid off in the 45th minute, reading Wai Lin Aung’s low cross to perfection to slide home from the centre of the box to take the tie into the break on level terms.
Afghanistan dominated the second half but were profligate with their chances as Nawid Mahbobi had his low strike saved before Omid Musawi and Sahil Sarwari fired wide from good positions.
Against the run of play, Myanmar found the winner as Ye Yint Aung’s cross from the left was tipped by goalkeeper Kevin Mottaghian straight to Khun Kyaw Zin Hein who produced an impressive finish into the top corner.
