Lao football medal hopes rise after women draw with Myanmar

Following a 1-1 draw against strong rivals Myanmar in the opening match of the women's football event at the National University Stadium on Friday, the Lao squad is now eyeing a medal.

Laos showed good teamwork in the first half and had plenty of opportunities to score, but none of their shots were on target. The best opportunity came in the 12th minute from a free kick by forward Souphavanh Phaivanh about 20 metres into Myanmar 's penalty area. Unluckily her strike sailed over the crossbar.

In the 30th minute Myanmar also had an opportunity to score after strong counter-attacking when Thiri Myat sent the ball towards the net, but it was saved by Lao goalkeeper Hongthong Choulaphanh.

Over 1,000 Lao football fans were packed into the stadium by the time Souphavanh Phaivanh dribbled the ball past two Myanmar defenders to score in the 32nd minute and net the first goal for Laos .

But the celebrations lasted only two minutes, as former SEA Games bronze medallist My Nilar Htwe equalised for Myanmar . The score remained 1-1 until the final whistle.

In another women's football match on Friday, defending champion Thailand defeated Malaysia 14-0.

Assistant Lao coach Viengsavanh Sengchanh said at the press conference after the game “My feelings before and after the game are no different. Our team's target is not to lose.”

“After our draw against Myanmar today our next hope is for a medal. I hope the players will do everything they need to in our upcoming matches.”

Myanmar head coach U Aye Kyu said “The Lao side is very good now, so it won't be easy for anyone to beat them.”

“Our team also played well today, but we cannot win, so we hope for the next game.”

The women's football competition has only five teams this year comprising Malaysia , Thailand , Myanmar , Vietnam and host Laos . Games are being played in a round robin format.

The winner and runner-up from the qualifying round will meet in a play-off for the gold medal, while the third placed team will automatically take the bronze medal.

The Lao women's next game pits them against defending champion Thailand on December 8 at 3:45pm at the National University Stadium.

Results from December 6:

Myanmar vs. Thailand (2-2)

Vietnam vs. Malaysia (8-0)

Women's football standings

Team P W D L GF GA Pts

Thailand 2 1 1 0 16 3 4

Vietnam 1 1 0 0 8 0 3

Myanmar 2 0 2 0 3 3 2

Laos 1 0 1 0 1 1 1

Malaysia 2 0 0 2 0 22 0

 

Schedule

December 8: ( National University Stadium)

Myanmar vs. Vietnam (1:30pm)

Thailand vs. Laos (3:45pm)

 

December 11: ( National University Stadium)

Laos vs. Malaysia (1:30pm)

Vietnam vs. Thailand (3:45pm)

 

December 13: (Chao Anouvong Stadium)

Vietnam vs. Laos (3:45pm)

Myanmar vs. Malaysia (6:00pm)

 

December 16: (Chao Anouvong Stadium)

Group winner vs. Group runner-up (at 4pm for the gold medal match)

 

 

By Sisay Vilaysack
December 7, 2009

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