Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam’s under-19 national team began their campaign in the opening Group ‘A’ fixture of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Boys Championship with a 7-0 defeat to Myanmar at the Madya Senayan Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday.
The Young Wasps managed to keep the much-fancied Myanmar youngsters at bay for nearly half an hour but midfielder Moe Swe opened the floodgates with his goal in the 27th minute.
The two-time winners doubled their lead in quick succession after Zaw Win Thein found the net just two minutes later before captain La Min Htwe threatened to put the tie out of sight with a goal in the 38th minute.
There were no signs of a scant consolation after the break from National Under-19 Head Coach Faizalani Abd Ghani’s young charges as Chit Aye made it 4-0 in the 69th minute.
Myanmar midfielder Thar Yar Win Htet came off the bench to grab a goal in the 75th minute before Ar Kar Kyaw joined the act three minutes later. Brunei were hit for seven when substitute Thein Zaw Thiha completed the scoring five minutes from time. The Young Wasps will continue their campaign against hosts Indonesia at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the other group tie saw record winners Thailand edge Philippines 1-0 with a solitary strike from Winai Aimaot enough to separate the two sides.
Vietnam, who will be looking to advance to the knock-out round since the 2016 edition, complete the six-member group.
The top two teams from each group will qualify to the knock-out stage, with semi-final matches set to be staged on July 13 for a place in the title decider.
