Friendly match: Viet Nam draw with Myanmar

In front: Nguyen Cong Phuong of Viet Nam gets away from Myanmar’s player during their 2-2 friendly match yesterday in Quang Ninh. — VNS Photo 

Myanmar equalised with a penalty in added time to draw 2-2 in both sides’ last test before their Southeast Asian Games campaigns begins later this month.

Nguyen Cong Phuong had more than 10,000 home fans cheering after scoring the opener for the hosts in the 23rd minute.

Phuong picked the ball up in midfield and left three Myanmar players in his wake before slotting home past goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Phyo.

Coach Nguyen Thanh Son made three changes after the interval to strengthen the midfield, but Myanmar responded strongly and nearly levelled the score in the 57th minute, only to be denied by goalie Phi Minh Long.

Long suffered a later injury and was replaced by Tran Minh Toan, who gave away a penalty to the visiting side in the 74th minute.

Toan, who was making his national team debut, failed to stop Myanmar captain Nay Lin Tun’s spot kick.

Striker Tran Phi Son was introduced to the field and gave Viet Nam a more attacking edge, resulting in a second goal from Le Thanh Binh.

Taking advantage of a mistake by Myanmar, Binh stole the ball and converted his close-range shot.

Victory seemed on the cards for Viet Nam when the clock reached the 90 minute mark, but anything is possible in football, and a second penalty was awarded to Myanmar in the added time.

Toan succcessfully saved striker Zon Moe Aung’s first shot but was unable to keep out the rebound.

Viet Nam U23s will leave for Singapore today and will have a week to prepare for their opening match in Group B against Brunei.

Myanmar, who are in the Group A, will face Indonesia on June 2.