Myanmar rains on Nationals' parade

CAPAS, Tarlac — The Philippine national men's football team opened its ASEAN Championship campaign on the wrong foot, after a 1-4 loss to Myanmar on a rain-soaked Tuesday night at the New Clark City Stadium.

Taking advantage of the slippery conditions after heavy rain drenched the pitch less than an hour before kickoff, the Burmese dictated the match from the outset to secure their first victory in Group B.

Kyaw Min Oo put Myanmar ahead in just the seventh minute before Than Paing doubled the advantage with a well-taken strike in the 28th minute, sending the visitors into the break with full control.

The Philippines found a glimmer of hope when Jarvey Gayoso capitalized on an open-play opportunity in the 69th minute to trim the deficit.

But any hopes of a comeback quickly faded as Win Naing Tun restored Myanmar's two-goal cushion in the 81st minute before Than Paing completed his brace two minutes later to seal the convincing victory.

The Filipinos now shift their focus to their Group B clash against Laos on Saturday at the Laos National Stadium in Vientiane, with kickoff set at 6 p.m. (Manila time), as they look to get their campaign back on track.