Mandalay: Simon McMenemy's Indonesia fought hard to defeat Myanmar 2-0 in an international friendly at the Mandalarthiri Stadium on Monday.



Indonesia secured their first win under McMenemy. The Scot took over the helm from Bima Sakti last December. Myanmar, who recently drew 0-0 with Chinese Taipei, have not registered a win in their last three matches.



It was an action-filled first half with both teams trading early blows but it was Indonesia who were the first to have a look at goal.

Greg Nwokolo escaped his markers before shooting from a tight angle in the fourth minute but his effort was easily dealt with by Myanmar goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Phyo.

 

Hasil maksimal diperoleh tim nasional Indonesia kala bersua tuan rumah Myanmar di Stadion Mandalarthiri, Senin (25/3)...Posted by PSSI on Monday, 25 March 2019

 

Next it was Myanmar’s turn to have a go at goal from a set-piece two minutes later but Nyein Chang Aung sent his delivery over the bar.

Indonesia then came within inches of scoring in the 21st minute when Stefano Lilipaly beat a defender before taking a shot but Min Tun cleared the ball on the line as Myanmar breathed a sigh of relief.

Tim Garuda bombarded the Myanmar goal with Riko Simanjuntak and Stefano Lilipaly both missing golden opportunities to score as the hosts held on by a thread.

The Asian Lions finally cracked under pressure and conceded in the 41st minute after Nwokolo’s sublime strike following some good movement in midfield.

However, Myanmar were thrown a lifeline when they earned a penalty in added time, but Indonesia goalkeeper Andritany Ardhiyasa made a brilliant save to deny Chang Aung as McMenemy’s men took a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The hosts’ best chance came in the 82nd minute after Mg Mg Lwin made a fine run to cut inside the danger area before firing a shot, but his effort was kept out by Ardhiyasa.

Indonesia put the tie to bed with five minutes left on the clock when Ilija Spasojevic converted from the spot to earn a 2-0 victory.

Photos: Myanmar Football Federation


Source: the-afc.com