Myanmar reignited their ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 away victory over the Philippines on Tuesday, as Jørn Andersen’s men responded emphatically to their opening defeat and thrust themselves back into contention for a place in the knockout stage.
A brilliant Than Pying brace, coupled with goals from Kyaw Min Oo and Win Naing Tun, secured Myanmar’s first three points of the tournament at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, keeping their hopes of finishing in the Group B top two firmly alive.
The result lifts Myanmar to three points from two matches, while the Philippines remain pointless after suffering defeat in their tournament opener.
Myanmar wasted little time taking control of the contest.
Just seven minutes into the match, Myat Kaung Khant delivered a dangerous corner into the six-yard box, where Soe Moe Kyaw powered a header that struck defender Daisuke Sato, bounced off the crossbar, and fell kindly for Kyaw Min Oo, who reacted quickest to fire home the opening goal.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 28th minute through a devastating counterattack.
Lwin Moe Aung released Maung Maung Lwin, whose perfectly weighted through ball sent Than Pying racing clear before the striker calmly slotted past goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad to make it 2-0.
The home side struggled throughout the opening half but almost found a route back into the contest shortly after the restart.
Substitute Kenji Nishioka unleashed a powerful long-range strike after being set up by Javier Mariona, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 68th minute. Mariona threaded an excellent pass behind the Myanmar defence, allowing Jarvey Gayoso to race through before delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
For a brief moment, the momentum appeared to swing in favour of the hosts.
However, Myanmar quickly extinguished any hopes of a Filipino comeback.
In the 81st minute, Daisuke Sato’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Myat Kaung Khant, who launched another dangerous attack before Hein Htet Aung delivered a pinpoint cross for Win Naing Tun to head home Myanmar’s third goal.
Just two minutes later, Myat Kaung Khant produced his second assist of the evening, floating another inviting cross into the penalty area where Than Pying powered in his second goal to complete both his brace and Myanmar’s dominant 4-1 victory.
After suffering a disappointing opening defeat to Malaysia, Myanmar produced the perfect response with an impressive attacking display that showcased both resilience and clinical finishing.
The victory not only revives Myanmar’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals but also sets up a crucial battle in the remaining Group B fixtures, where Andersen’s side will now look to build on this momentum in pursuit of a knockout berth.
For the Philippines, meanwhile, a second consecutive defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread as they search for their first points of the tournament.
Credit Photo : MFF
