A friendly football match between Myanmar and Lebanon took place at the Thuwunna Youth Training Centre in Yangon on 19 November, with the Lebanese team emerging victorious with a 3-2 score line.
Team Myanmar faced similar results in both international friendly matches played during November’s international week, against Singapore and Lebanon. Despite expectations, Myanmar’s team ended both matches in defeat due to late goals.
With injuries affecting several players, head coach U Myo Hlaing Win made changes to the team lineup. The Lebanese team, coached by former Myanmar coach Radulovic, applied early pressure from the start of the match. In 37 minutes, Malek scored for Lebanon, but in 42 minutes, Thiha Zaw levelled the score with a penalty kick, making it 1-1 by halftime.
In the second half, both teams increased their efforts to score. In 57 minutes, Myanmar’s team captain Maung Maung Lwin netted a leading goal from a corner kick. However, despite holding their advantage, Myanmar struggled to defend against Lebanon’s offensive. In 74 minutes, Lebanon’s forward Sanni Mahak scored with a header, followed by a decisive goal in 84 minutes, securing the victory for Lebanon.
Looking ahead, Myanmar will be preparing for the upcoming ASEAN Cup competition in December, having played four international friendly matches in October and November – securing one win, one draw, and two losses. — Ko Nyi Lay/KZL
