Yangon: Indonesia’s hunt for their first-ever Southeast Asian crown will begin on Monday when they face Myanmar in their Group B opener of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 at Thuwunna Stadium.
Losing just three times in their last 11 matches while facing some of the biggest names in Asia means that Indonesia have plenty of momentum going into the regional showpiece, as they look to end their run of near misses and finally etch their names into the list of ASEAN Championship winners.
Shin Tae-yong’s side have had an impressive 2024, reaching the AFC Asian Cup last 16 at the start of the year before a win over the Philippines and a double against Vietnam saw them reach the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the very first time.
The Garuda then held Saudi Arabia, Australia and Bahrain to creditable draws and posted a famous 2-0 win against the Saudis last month to remain firmly in contention for a place in the World Cup to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Shin will rely on Indonesia’s young sensations like Asnawi Mangkualam, Pratama Arhan and Marselino Ferdinan, who starred against the Saudis with two goals in their most recent outing, to take the nation to a historic maiden title in the prestigious tournament.
Myanmar, on the other hand, will bank on their experience as they look dent Indonesia’s hopes by turning home conditions to their advantage.
They are managed by former international Myo Hlaing Win and in captain Maung Maung Lwin, Soe Moe Kyaw, Hein Phyo Win, Lwin Moe Aung and Than Paing, they will have established names playing all across the field.
Since taking over, Myo took the White Angels to a win and a draw against Sri Lanka in his first games in charge in October but has since then fallen to hard-fought defeats to Singapore and Lebanon, despite scoring two goals each against their opponents.
Myanmar have reached the semi-finals of the ASEAN Championship twice – in 2004 and 2016. But their recent appearances have ended in disappointment, with them crashing out in the group stage without a single win in 2022.
But with their legendary striker at the helm, Myanmar will be hoping to get the better of six-time finalists Indonesia and make a winning start to their ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ campaign in Yangon come Monday.
Myanmar vs Indonesia
Venue: Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon
Kick-off: 9 December, 7 PM (Local Time)
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