Malaysia beat Myanmar in 3rd place play-off

Singapore:

A goal in each half helped Malaysia to a 2-1 victory over Myanmar and a third place finish in the Tiger Cup football competition in Singapore on Saturday. Muhamad Khalid Jamlus opened the scoring for Malaysia before Mohamad Nor Bin Ismail netted the winner after Soe Myat Min had equalised for Myanmar. Depleted side Myanmar had to field a depleted side after four of their players received red cards in their semi-final defeat against Singapore, but hundreds of loyal fans still cheered for the underdogs. The match kicked off at a frenetic pace with both teams threatening early on. Malaysia had the first chance in just the third minute - striker Muhamad Khalid Jamlus shot from close range but his strike was cleared off the line. Malaysian coach Bertalan Bicskel then saw his side nearly go behind but Myanmar's Mar La blazed over the crossbar. Malaysia takes lead Against the run of play, Malaysia took the lead in the 15th minute as a quick counter-attack resulted in Muhamad Khalid Jamlus calmly rounding goalkeeper Aung Oo to score his team's first goal. Myanmar should have equalised in the 31st minute as a brilliant shot from 25 yards by their skipper Myo Hlaing Win beat the Malaysian goalkeeper Syamsuri, but hit the crossbar and bounced to safety. Myanmar equalizes However, Myanmar deservedly equalised in the 52nd minute as Soe Myat Min neatly chested the ball down before scoring with a low drive into the bottom corner of the net. However, Myanmar's celebrations were cut short as Malaysia regained the lead in the 56th minute. Substitute Mohamad Nor Bin Ismail had only just come onto the field when a Muhamad Khalid Jamlus shot ricocheted into his path and he hooked the ball into the back of the net. 2-1 to Malaysia and that was enough to claim third place in the Tiger Cup, the biennial football competition for South-East Asian nations. Singapore will start as favourites against Indonesia at home in the second leg of the final on Sunday after winning the first leg 3-1. (AP)