Myanmar secured a 4-1 victory over the Philippines in a Group B match of the ASEAN Football Championship-Hyundai Cup, played at New Clark City Stadium.
Than Paing contributed a brace, spearheading Myanmar’s attack amid heavy rain that slowed the ball and challenged the teams’ footing.
The Philippines fielded a youthful squad with an average age of 25, featuring only two players over 30. Coach Carles Cuadrat called the encounter a “learning match,” noting his players took time to adjust to the wet conditions.
Myanmar’s experience proved decisive, as the team adapted more effectively to the water‑logged pitch and maintained control throughout the game.
The loss marks the Philippines’ first defeat in nine matches over the past two years, ending a streak that had included a 5-1 win against Myanmar in the PFF Tri‑Nations Tournament.
The Philippines will seek redemption with an away fixture against Laos on Saturday in Vientiane.
