After Vietnam had defeated Timor Leste 3-0, Indonesia needed a win against Myanmar to keep pace before their anticipated final group stage clash. Buoyed by their home crowd, Indonesia started strong, launching waves of attacks but initially failed to convert their chances.
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Indonesian players celebrate their 3-0 victory over Myanmar in group A of the 2026 ASEAN U-19 Championship, on the evening of 1/6. Photo: SEAN FOOTBALL
Myanmar's players, full of energy, frequently utilized speed from wide attacks. They could have posed a greater challenge to the hosts with more clinical finishing.
The turning point arrived in the 39th minute. Following a long pass over the defense, forward Kaka broke into the penalty area, outmaneuvered Myanmar's captain, and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
In the second half, despite the visitors' concentrated defense, defending champions Indonesia maintained their dominant position. In the 78th minute, Myanmar's defense committed a coordination error between their goalkeeper and defender, allowing forward Prasetyo to steal the ball and score into an empty net.
In the closing minutes, the hosts remained energetic, while Myanmar players frequently suffered from cramps and muscle strains. The visitors' sluggish defense then allowed Prasetyo to easily break into the penalty area and seal the 3-0 victory.
This victory brings Indonesia level on points and goal difference with Vietnam, positioning them jointly at the top of the group. In the second round, the hosts will face Timor Leste, while Vietnam will play Myanmar.
The 2026 ASEAN U-19 Boys' Championship is taking place in Medan and Deli Serdang, Indonesia, from 1/6 to 13/6. Eleven teams are divided into three groups, competing in a round-robin format. The top team from each group and the best second-placed team will advance to the semifinals.
Group A comprises Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Timor Leste. Group B features Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Group C includes Australia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
The ASEAN U-19 Championship was first held in 2002. Thailand and Australia are the most successful nations, each having claimed the title 5 times. Malaysia and Indonesia have each won it two times, while Vietnam's sole triumph came one time, in 2007 when the tournament was hosted at Thanh Long stadium, TP HCM.
Today, 2/6, will see the group B matches:
- 4 PM: Thailand - Brunei
- 8 PM: Malaysia - Singapore
Duc Dong
