Unfair reflection

Cambodia U-16s v Myanmar. Back Row LtoR: Ravan, Samnang, Ratana, Baraing, Dinarong, Chanpolin (capt). Front Row: Titchhy, Sodavid, Ponvuthy, Piphop, Noeut - click to enlarge

The immediate reaction from head coach Sam Schweingruber at the final whistle, as his Cambodia U-16s lost 2-1 to hosts Myanmar tonight was; "I'm disappointed, the result was not a true reflection of the game, we were the better side. We improved considerably from the previous game." It was the final Group A match of the AFF U-16 Youth Championships, held in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, and with Australia and Vietnam having already qualified for the semi-finals, this final match was to decide the third spot. With their 2-1 success, 3rd place was claimed by Myanmar, who opened the scoring courtesy of a defensive mistake on 13 minutes with Sa Aung Pyea Ko getting the goal. An own goal from Suon Noeut handed them their second goal on 82 minutes but it was an unfair reflection on Cambodia, who put on a much better performance but with little reward. In the final minute, Myanmar defender Ye Min Thu was red carded for a last-man foul and substitute Ouk Sovann stepped up to blast home the direct free-kick, for a consolation effort.
Cambodia U-16s starting XI: Samnang, Noeut, Baraing (Rozak 83), Titchhy, Dinarong, Sodavid, Chanpolin, Ravan, Ponvuthy (Sokheng 68), Ratana, Piphop (Sovann 68). Subs: Sokundara, Chansopheak, Phearath, Muslim. Unavailable: Mesa, Senteang.