Nhan Dan Online- Sayavuthi’s goal in the 70th minute helped Laos draw with Myanmar in their first match of the 25th SEA Games in Group B at Chao Anuvong stadium today.

Hosts Laos started the game with great confidence, dominating in the first 30 minutes. At the packed stadium, the Lao young players brought pressure to bear on Myanmar but could not breach the guests strong and solid defence. In the 16th minute, Myanmar goalkeeper saved a close range shot from Laos forward Sayavuthi.

In half an hour Myanmar played well in defence, blocking all Laos attacks.Then it was Myanmar’s turn to attack. Tun Tun Win missed two opportunities to open the scoring when he shot over the crossbar in the 33rd minute and his strike from a close range was stopped by Laos defender in the 39th minute. In the 42nd minute, K T.Ha scored the opener for Myanmar because of Laos goalkeeper’s mistake.

In the 43th minute, Lamnao Singto’s free-kick shot hit the guests’ crossbar.

After the break,  Laos intensified their attacks, creating a lot of chances to level the score but Lamnao’s header in the 47th minute and Sayavuthi’s shot in the 60th minutes were caught by goalkeeper K T.Ha.

In the 70th  minute, Sayavuthi scored the equaliser from Kaysone’s wonderfull cross.

In the last minutes, Laos tried their best to win the match but failed to and conceded a 1-1 draw.  Drawing with Myanmar, the 24th SEA Games runners-up, Laos have made great progress. Their performance satisfied all Lao fans.

Earlier in another game, Indonesia came back from behind to draw 2-2 with Singapore.

As a result, in Group B, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Indonesia have one point each. And the competition between four teams for two places in the semi-finals will be very fierce and attractive.

Duy Thinh