Singapore U23 v Myanmar U23

SINGAPORE, 27 July 2011: The Singapore Under-23 side secured a 1-0 win over Myanmar Under-23 in an International Friendly match that was played this evening at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

The match got off to a slow with both teams looking to put their game plan into place. The Singapore U-23 team got the first shot of the game but it was directed straight at Myanmar U-23�s goalkeeper, Hein Kyaw Thu.

Myanmar U-23s came close to breaking the deadlock on a few occasions but they had their chances thwarted by the Singapore defence. The same could be said for the Singapore side as they too were unable to find the back of the net.

Just twenty minutes into the first half, Khairul Nizam pulled his hamstring while chasing a long pass from his team mate, forcing him to him to be substituted by Nigel Vanu. The first half then ended with the score-line unchanged.

Coming back on the field for the second-half, the teams surged forward in numbers to get into the lead as both sides tried to dominate play. As tackles flew in from all corners in a highly aggressive match, Singapore was awarded a penalty in the 49th minute after Nigel Vanun was brought down in the penalty box while trying to break free from his defender.

Fazli Ayob converted the spot-kick brilliantly to give his team a well deserved lead in the second half. Myanmar responded immediately and saw their effort hit the bar after beating Syazwan Buhari, Singapore U-23 custodian.

With Myanmar chasing for the equalizer, they kept pressure on the Singapore defensive wall with repeated attacking moves from both flanks. In the 68th minute, Irwan Shah was sent off after receiving his second yellow card in the game.

The Myanmar U-23 team capitalized on the advantage of an extra man and pushed further for that elusive goal. Despite all the chances created, they were unable to penetrate the strong defensive line-up that the Singapore U-23 team had set up.

The match ended in Singapore�s favour with the scoreboard reading Singapore U-23 1-0 Myanmar U-23.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Myanmar Under-23 Coach Gerd Friedrich Horst Zeise said that he was extremely proud of his players and felt that they played well tonight. �I said before the result is not so important. Of course we want to win but for me, it was more important that we prepare the team for the future.�

�We must to go abroad to get more experience and we can�t keep playing in our own country and club teams. We must have challenge abroad.� He answered if the match was good preparation for the SEA games.

�The boys did well and they created numerous chances throughout the game even when we had ten men on the field. And I am pleased with their performance. These boys have good potential and we can build from here definitely.� Said Singapore Under-23 Coach Robin Chitrakar.

In preparation for the SEA Games, Coach Robin said �Being our first real test in preparation of SEA Games, I think it was good performance and we got the result we wanted.�

Score: Singapore Under-23 1-0 Myanmar Under-23

Goalscorer: Fazli Ayob, 49th minute (penalty)

Starting Line-up for Singapore U-23: Syazwan Buhari, Fazli Ayob (Fadhil Noh 61) , Hafiz Sujad, Fairoz Hasan, Shahir Hamzah (Abdul Hadi 51), Faris Ramli (Shamil Sharif 89), Khairul Nizam (Nigel Vanu 22), Irwan Shah (c), Safirul Sulaiman, Al-Qaasimy Rahman (Emmeric Ong 55), Gary Loo (Stanely Ng 79)

Starting Line-up for Myanmar Under-23:
Hein Kyaw Thu, Wai Phyo Lwin (Aung Hein Kyaw 39), Ye Lin Naing (c), Ye Win Aung, Min Ko Ko, Ye Ko Oo (Thant Zin 85), Phyo Maung Maung Kyaw (Aung Ko Ko Win 69), Thiha Zaw (Soe Paing Thway 63), Kaung Sat Naing, Thet Naing (Yan Niang Htwe 56), HtooAung Moe (Yan Naing Aung 43)

SOURCE - FAS