Favored due to their experience and player quality, Myanmar started aggressively and opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Striker Shine Wanna Aung's shot deflected off defender Farrugia, wrong-footing the Timor-Leste goalkeeper.

In the 36th minute, a foul by the Timor-Leste goalkeeper inside the box resulted in a penalty. Zaw Win Thein converted the spot-kick, extending Myanmar's lead to 2-0.

Timor-Leste players celebrate their thrilling 4-4 draw against Myanmar in the opening Group C match of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship at the Bekasi Stadium, Indonesia. Photo: Asean United

Timor-Leste players celebrate their thrilling 4-4 draw against Myanmar in the opening Group C match of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship at the Bekasi Stadium, Indonesia. Photo: Asean United

Leading by two goals, Myanmar appeared to relax. In the 42nd minute of the first half, a misplaced throw-in near their own penalty area allowed Canavaro to intercept the ball. He skillfully dribbled past defenders and finished calmly, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

In the 53rd minute, Timor-Leste attacked down the left flank. Myanmar's defense failed to clear the ball effectively, allowing Figo to head the ball past the goalkeeper, leveling the score at 2-2.

Regrouping quickly, Myanmar restored their lead with two quick goals in the 55th and 62nd minutes, making it 4-2.

Undeterred, Timor-Leste continued to press forward with dangerous attacks. In the 75th minute, Canavaro unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, finding the back of the net to make it 4-3.

In the second minute of stoppage time, with Myanmar pushing forward in search of a decisive fifth goal, they were caught on the counter-attack. Following a clearance by the goalkeeper, Timor-Leste launched a swift counter, culminating in Bakhito's close-range finish to equalize at 4-4.

Bakhito celebrated wildly with his teammates after the dramatic late equalizer.

With Thailand expected to top Group C, the draw between Myanmar and Timor-Leste is a surprising result. Both teams retain a chance to secure the second spot and compete for a place in the semi-finals as the best second-placed team.

The 2025 AFF U23 Championship, taking place in Indonesia from 15/7 to 29/7, features 10 teams divided into three groups. Teams play each other once in a round-robin format, with the top team from each group and the best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals.

Duc Dong