Vietnam draw 0-0 with Myanmar in AFF Cup’s Group A

Vietnamese and Myanmar players in the match (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam drew 0-0 with Myanmar in an away match of Group A in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018 held at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on November 20 evening.

Myanmar had more possession in the first 10 minutes of the game, but no serious attacks have been launched from either side.

In the 19th minute, Vietnamese striker Nguyen Cong Phuong tried his luck by a shot from outside the box but did not succeed.

Five minutes later, Myanmar answered with a long shot but it was not a challenge for goalkeeper Dang Van Lam.

In the 28th minute, Phan Van Duc took a shot in the box and it went out for a corner, which was unsuccessful. From the corner, Nguyen Anh Duc tried to get a header but he missed the ball.

Vietnam took another corner in the 31st minute. This time Nguyen Anh Duc got his head on the ball but it went through the bar.

In the 36th minute, from an attack, Phan Van Duc took a shot but unfortunately he hit the post. And just one minute later, Nguyen Quang Hai shot from a corner and it was saved by Myanmar goalkeeper.

In the 44th minute, Vietnam’s Que Ngoc Hai received a yellow card for a foul. Myanmar got a free kick but it was lack of accuracy.

After one additional minute, the first half ended without any goals from either team.

In the 49th minute, Nguyen Trong Hoang got his first shot right after he was subbed in, but it could not defeat Myanmar goalkeeper. Three minutes later, Myanmar goalkeeper saved two consecutive shots from Vietnam.

Myanmar's Lwin Moe Aung was penalized with a yellow card for touching the ball in the 63rd minute.  Nguyen Cong Phuong took another shot in the 64th minute but he missed again.

In the 77th minute, after a shot outside the box, Nguyen Van Toan, who replaced Nguyen Cong Phuong, got a tap in, but he was offside.

Myanmar missed from a header in the 89th minute. Just one minute later, Nguyen Anh Duc was fouled just outside the box and Vietnam was granted a free kick. But Nguyen Quang Hai missed the target.

With the tie, both Vietnam and Myanmar have seven points after three matches, but Myanmar temporarily top Group A thanks to goals scored.

Previously, Myanmar beat Cambodia 4-1 and came from behind to beat Laos 3-1, while Vietnam defeated Laos 3-0 and Malaysia 2-0.

Vietnam will play Cambodia at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium on November 24, while Myanmar will face Malaysia in an away match.

The AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 is taking place from November 8 to December 15 with 26 matches among 10 teams. Vietnam are in Group A together with Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

This year, the AFF Suzuki Cup will feature a new playing format, with both home and away ties.

In the tournament’s history, Vietnam won the championship just once in 2008. With the leadership of coach Park Hang-seo and the current squad, both Vietnamese and Korean football fans are hopeful the S-shaped country’s team will take the trophy for the second time after 10 years awaiting.

VNA