20 May

TAUNGGYI based Shan United FC has advanced to the semifi-nals  for  the  General  Aung  San  Shield 2019, after defeating Han-tharwady United in the quarter-final match of the General Aung San Shield 2019 at Aung San Sta-dium in Yangon yesterday.

Shan United won the match with a come from behind victory, as Hantharwady United led the first  half  play  with  Yan  Naing  Aung’s early minutes goal.

As the match is a knockout, both  teams  lined  up  with  their  star players.

Star players Captain David Htan, keeper Phone Thitsar Min, Nanda  Kyaw  and  Zin  Min  Tun  were  included  in  Shan  United  FC,  while  Captain  cum  keeper  Ko  Ko  Naing,  Hein  Htet  Aung,  Paing  Phyo  Wai  and  Nyi  Nyi  Aung  also  lined  up  with  the  Hantharwady United FC during yesterday’s match.

Shan United was headed by head  coach  U  Aung  Naing  and  Hantharwady United was head-ed by U Ngwe Tun as head coach.

Hantharwady United scored the opening goal at the four min-ute mark, with a long and accu-rate kick by Yan Naing Aung.

After the goal, Hantarwady FC  showed  their  enthusiasm  and  played  aggressively,  caus-ing  difficulties  for  Shan  United  to equalize the goal.

The second half saw differ-ent tactics by Shan United, with Suam Lam Mang substituting in.

Suam  Lam  Mang  came  in  within a few minutes, adding to the strength of Shan United, as he  scored  an  equalizer  for  the  team at the 53 minute mark.

After 1-1, Shan United again turbocharged  their  play,  as  the  team  was  eager  to  advance  to  the semifinal stage.
But  all  out  efforts  by  Shan  United were blurred under the massive defense of the defend-ers of Hantharwady, and smart goalkeeping by the team.

The  winning  goal  for  Shan  United  arrived  just  before  the  match end, at 90 plus three min-utes, and the goal was surpris-ingly scored on a header by Shan United’s expat player, Maximin.

As for the win, Shan United will face Rakhine United in the semifinal stage, as Rakhine Unit-ed also defeated Magwe FC 4-1 in the quarterfinal stage.

Shan United will play a first round  semifinal  match  against  Rakhine United on 25 May, and the  second  round  match  on  1  June, according to the Myanmar National  League.—Lynn  Thit  (Tgi)