HERO GOLD CUP: Myanmar pip spirited Nepal in grand finale

by FC Admin February 15, 2019

Bhubaneshwar: Myanmar beat Nepal 3-1 in the final of the Hero Gold Cup on Friday thanks to Yee Yee Oo’s brace and a superb goal from Win Theingi Tun.

A brace from Yee Yee Oo and a brilliant effort from Win Theingi Tun was enough to down a spirited Nepal side, who scored in the 45th minute through Manjali Kumari.

The first half was a feisty affair as both teams scored a goal apiece with chances coming at a premium. The first came in the opening minute as Nepal’s star striker Sabitra Bhandari broke free and earned a corner.

The resulting header was comfortably saved by the keeper.

Myanmar, who had beaten Nepal 3-0 in the tournament opener asserted their dominance as they created two good chances in the 10th and 17th minutes respectively. The first had Win Theingi missing a header from close range while the second was flagged for offside.

At the half-hour mark, Nepal looked resolute as they repelled everything that Myanmar threw at them. Four minutes later, Yee Yee Oo gave Myanmar the lead, with a powerful effort from inside the box that sailed into the top corner past the diving goalkeeper.

However, on the stroke of half time, Nepal grabbed a stunning equalizer through midfielder Manjali Kumari, who latched on to a loose ball inside the penalty area, controlled it on her chest and side-footed a volley into the side-netting. It was the first goal Myanmar had conceded in the competition!

Both sides played with renewed vigor after the break. Win Theingi put her side into the lead in the 53rd minute after some fine play. Controlling a cross from the left with her back to the goal, she turned and slammed the ball home.

Two soon became three as Yee Yee Oo added her second goal of the night. In the 62nd minute, she put in a ball from the right that found the Nepal goalkeeper off her guard and it sailed into the goal and secured a deserved win.

Tournament Awards

Top Scorer: Sabitra Bhandari, Yee Yee Oo (4 goals)

Best Goalkeeper: Zar Zar Myint

Most Valuable Player: Win Theingi Tun

Fairplay: Myanmar

AIFF MEDIA

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