SEA GAMES: YAN PAING HELPS MYANMAR BAG THE BRONZE

PETALING JAYA (Sept 15, 2001) – A late first half goal from striker Yan Paing helped Myanmar edge Indonesia 1-0 in the third-fourth placing playoff at the MPPJ Stadium today.

Yan Paing blasted the winner in the 44th minute to help his team wrest the bronze. It was the team’s first medal in men’s football since their silver effort at the 1993 SEA Games in Singapore.

Myanmar, one of the underdogs of the tournament, have proven to be a side with lots of heart and determination but are still lacking in experience.

Despite this, the Myanmar team managed to overcome the odds to pick up the bronze. Coach David Booth has obviously done a lot of good work with the team and deserves praise.

In today’s match, Myanmar showed little signs of suffering from the aftermath of their battle with hosts Malaysia in the semifinals. Myanmar took the fight to their opponents and were soon creating opportunities for themselves.

Indonesia too started well and were soon taking shots at the Myanmar goal. But in the dying minutes of the first half, Yan Paing fired his team ahead. They never looked back after that.

After the break Indonesia tried hard to get the equaliser but failed at everything they did. Their chief striker Bambang Pamungkas had sevreal good chances to level the game and possibly even send his team ahead, but the nippy striker was unable to deliver.

Indonesia tried but never recovered from the goal and finished with no medals for the first time since the Chiagmai Games in 1995.

MYANMAR: Aung Aung Oo, Min Thu, Zaw Lynn Tun, Soe Myat Min, Soe Lin Tun, Tint Naing Tun Thein, Aung Kyaw Moe (Lwin Oo), Yan Paing, Min Thwin, Aung Kyaw Myint (Aung Kyaw Tun), Aung Tun Naing (Nay Thu Hlaing).

INDONESIA: Yandri Christian Pitoy, Isnan Ali, Ismed Sofiyan, Firmansyah, Zulfadely, Edu Juanda, Elie Aiboy, Maman, Warsidi, Bambang Pamungkas, Purwanto.