Burma kicked off its campaign to win a football gold medal at this year’s SEA Games with a convincing 4- 2 win over Indonesia in Singapore on Tuesday.
Playing ahead of the opening ceremony, the men’s Under-23 team turned out in red for its opening match of the tournament at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
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Burma scored first through Shine Thura, who slid the ball into the net after 20 minutes. Si Thu Aung added another in the first half with a header, before Indonesia pulled one back through Abduh Lestaluhu.
The Burmese youngsters were on fine form, working hard, combining well and dominating possession. Si Thu Aung scored a deserved third, before substitute Kyaw Zin Lwin wrapped it up with a fourth. Ahmad Nufiandani pulled one back for Indonesia but it was only a consolation goal for the Indonesians who were well beaten on the night.
The Burmese will now head into their next match with a sense of belief; and they will need it – for they play hosts Singapore, who alongside defending champions Thailand are the favourites for the gold this year.
