Myanmar reignited their hopes of reaching the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-finals with a commanding 7-2 victory over Laos on home soil on Tuesday, although the emphatic win was overshadowed by the late dismissal of captain Maung Maung Lwin, who will now miss a crucial clash against Thailand.
The 31-year-old skipper was sent off following an altercation with Laos midfielder Saiphon Kaewhanam late in the second half, ruling him out of Saturday’s decisive Group B encounter in Bangkok. Despite the setback, Jørn Andersen’s side delivered one of the tournament’s most devastating attacking displays, spearheaded by a stunning hat-trick from Win Naing Tun.
The entertaining contest produced four goals inside the opening 25 minutes before Myanmar took complete control. Win Naing Tun restored the hosts’ advantage in the 41st minute before Maung Maung Lwin calmly converted a stoppage-time penalty, giving Myanmar a commanding 4-2 lead at the break.
The victory lifts Myanmar to six points from three matches, level with both Thailand and Malaysia, keeping qualification for the semi-finals firmly within reach.
Myanmar made the perfect start, needing less than two minutes to break the deadlock. Maung Maung Lwin floated a superb pass over the Laos defence, allowing Lwin Moe Aung to finish first-time beyond goalkeeper Kob Lokprathip into the far corner.
Laos responded in the 17th minute when Maung Maung Lwin’s misplaced clearance fell kindly to Bounchouay Chenvanglien, who showed great composure to evade a defender before firing past Zin Nyi Nyi Aung to make it 1-1.
Myanmar reclaimed the lead just three minutes later as Maung Maung Lwin delivered another dangerous cross from the right, with Win Naing Tun left unmarked to finish from close range.
However, Laos immediately fought back once again. Phoutthavong Sangvilay produced a brilliant solo effort, cutting in from the left before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net to level the score at 2-2.
The hosts regained control before half-time. Maung Maung Lwin’s inswinging corner found Win Naing Tun inside the six-yard box, where the forward poked home his second goal of the evening in the 41st minute.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Myanmar were awarded a penalty after Klaharn Phetsavilay brought down Than Paing inside the area. Maung Maung Lwin confidently converted from the spot to send Myanmar into the interval with a 4-2 advantage.
Myanmar continued to dominate after the restart and extended their lead seven minutes into the second half. Lwin Moe Aung curled an inviting cross into the box for Than Paing, who finished with a first-time effort through the legs of Kob to make it 5-2.
The match took another dramatic turn when both sides were reduced to ten men after Maung Maung Lwin and Saiphon Kaewhanam were shown straight red cards following an off-the-ball confrontation near the centre circle.
Despite losing their captain, Myanmar continued to pour forward. Aung Hein Htet added the sixth goal in the 81st minute, converting from close range after another dangerous delivery from Win Naing Tun.
Just a minute later, Win Naing Tun completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion. The striker turned sharply near midfield before surging into the penalty area and calmly finishing beyond Kob to cap a memorable individual performance and seal an emphatic 7-2 victory for Myanmar.
While Myanmar’s attacking display has reignited belief ahead of the final group-stage fixtures, Andersen will now face the difficult task of taking on Thailand without inspirational captain Maung Maung Lwin in what promises to be a decisive battle for a place in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Credit Photo : ISports
