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YANGON: Myanmar sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Pakistan in a closely contested encounter at the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier here at the Thuwunna Stadium on Tuesday.
The goal that sealed a win for Myanmar came late in the first half, courtesy of forward Than Paing.
The Green Shirts, who started the match with a defensive strategy,
shifted gears in the second half and pressed forward in search of an equaliser.
Despite being on the verge of scoring a goal, the Pakistan team was unable to find the back of the net as Myanmar’s defence held firm.
The home team’s strong defence frustrated the Pakistan team, resulting in a narrow lead until the final whistle.
As a result, Pakistan is languishing at the bottom of Group E in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier after two matches.
On the other hand, Myanmar now leads the group with six points from two games, solidifying their standing in the race for Asian Cup qualification.
Abdullah Iqbal, Pakistan’s captain, shared his thoughts following the match’s conclusion, lamenting his team’s poor results.
“Well, to be honest right now, I’m very disappointed, especially with the first half. I think we did not live up to the expectations, especially the defensive play that we’ve shown in the first half,” he said.
“We weren’t in the shape. We didn’t dare to play really, but in the second half we showed what we are capable of, and that’s what we should show more because that’s what our fans deserve,” he added.
Abdullah Iqbal apologised to fans despite a close encounter.
“First half I’m very disappointed with. I think it’s too bad we let the whole nation down the way we played the first half. The second was much better.
“I want to apologise to the fans for the first half and I hope that they see some potential we showed in the second half and hopefully we give them more joy by playing that way,” he concluded.
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