Phnom Penh: Cambodia marched into the semi-finals of the 2019 AFF U22 Cup following a 2-0 win over Myanmar in a Group B tie at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on Wednesday.
Malaysia, meanwhile, fought back to force a 2-2 draw with Indonesia to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Malaysia's fate, however, is out of their hands as even a win over Myanmar on Friday will not be enough for them to advance should Indonesia, who have two points, defeat Cambodia in their final group stage match.
Malaysia, who lost 1-0 to Cambodia in their opening match, only have a point. The regional tournament is the last phase of preparation for the teams ahead of the March Qualifiers for the 2020 AFC U23 Championship.
Cambodia 2-0 Myanmar
A goal in each half was enough for the Cambodians as they have now left it open for the remaining three teams – Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia – to battle for the runners-up spot.
Utilising an almost different set of players, Cambodia played with as much vigour as they had done in the first game against Malaysia.
In front of more than 10,000 fans, sustained pressure saw them earning a penalty when Sin Kakada was fouled but Ouk Sovann totally missed from the spot as Myanmar keeper Phone Thitsar Min dived the right way.
But that did not deter Cambodia as in the 27th minute, a cross from the left found the right finish from Yue Safy.
Myanmar did not lose shape and five minutes later, they came close from a corner but Win Naing Tun’s attempt was blocked by a recovering defender as the score remained to Cambodia’s advantage at the break.
Just five minutes in, Cambodia doubled their advantage with Khieng Menghou providing the corner for Sin Sophanat to finish from close range.
The game went up a gear soon after as Myanmar searched for their first goal but Cambodia defended well to deny their opponents.
The frustration was obvious on the faces of the Myanmar players and after some persistent complaining, head coach Velizar Popov was red carded right at the end by Laos referee Xaypaseth Phongsanit to complete a woeful night for Myanmar.
“I am overwhelmed with pride for the players. But we were prepared for this game against Myanmar. We are a 23-man team and the players did well,” said Cambodia head coach Felix Dalmas.
“We have a decisive game against Malaysia coming up. And we need to prepare well,” said Myanmar assistant coach Soe Myat Min.
Malaysia 2-2 Indonesia
While Malaysia won their first point after losing to the hosts two days earlier, for Indonesia it was their second point of the competition as they look to wrap up the group with a match against Cambodia on Friday.
The fight was almost even in the first half although it was Indonesia who came the closest on several occasions.
Gian Zola Nugraha, Rachmatrianto, Muhammad Rafi Syarahil and also Osvaldo Haay all had their chances but either it was too wide or were denied by the hardworking Malaysian captain Dominic Tan who formed a strong defence alongside Ariff Ariffin.
Osvaldo’s best effort came with five minutes remaining of the first half but after rounding off keeper Muhammad Haziq Nadzli, the angle was too tight as he hit the side netting.
Malaysia continued to struggle after the break and just eight minutes after the restart, the Young Tigers fell behind when Marinus Wanewar punished a defensive lapse.
But the Malaysians stayed firm and in the 62nd minute they drew level with Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat delivering a well-taken free-kick.
Indonesia continued to push forward and in the 77th minute, Witan Sulaeman fired in from some 20 metres out to beat Muhammad Haziq for the second time.
And just when Indonesia thought that they had the three points in the bag, a corner from Nik Akif three minutes from the end was headed into goal by the lanky Muhammad Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak.
“We scored two goals but we just could not anticipate the set-pieces. The Malaysians had to play a more direct game as they were struggling with open play. But the boys played better than they did against Myanmar," said Indonesia head coach Indra Sjafri.
Malaysia head coach Ong Kim Swee said: “We needed at least a point and the boys showed a lot of character today. They fell behind twice and they drew level. Now we need the full points against Myanmar.”
Results
Group B
Indonesia 2-2 Malaysia
Cambodia 2-0 Myanmar
Thursday
Group A (Local time)
Vietnam v Thailand (15:30)
Timor Leste v Philippines (18:30)
Sources: Asean Football Federation, Football Federation of Cambodia
Source: the-afc.com