The Qualifying Round Play-offs of the Shopee Cup came to an exciting conclusion on Wednesday with all 12 ASEAN clubs participating in the group stage of the inaugural competition now confirmed.
Myanmar’s Shan United FC secured their place in Group A by defeating Kasuka FC of Brunei Darussalam 3-1 in the second leg in Yangon, and Cambodia’s Svay Rieng FC posted a big 5-1 victory against Young Elephants FC of Laos to join them.
With the Qualifying Round Play-offs now behind us, ASEAN United FC picks out four players who helped their side get past the finish line in the second legs.
Cristian Roque Dos Santos - Svay Rieng FC
Svay Rieng FC were left stunned by Young Elephants FC who took the lead in the second leg early through a Takumu Nishihara penalty in the ninth minute. With the Cambodians struggling to find a way back, it was Cristian Roque Dos Santos who opened the scoring for Jose Munoz’s side and set them on course for the group stage.
The Brazilian had put the ball in the back of the net as early as the third minute, only for it to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. But he bagged a deserved goal in the 39th minute, arriving inside the box to direct a cross from compatriot Gabriel Silva and score in the second game running.
Efrain Rintaro - Shan United FC
Shan United FC needed someone to step up in the return fixture against Kasuka FC after the first leg had finished all square at 1-1. And it was 33-year-old Efrain Rintaro who proved to be that player as he scored twice to help them secure a 3-1 win against their opponents from Brunei Darussalam in Yangon.
The Brazilian striker, who spent most of his career in Japan playing for clubs like FC Ryukyu, FC Osaka and ReinMeer Aomori, earned a penalty and slotted it past Kasuka goalkeeper Wardun Yusof to put Shan into the lead in the fourth minute before he doubled their advantage just before the interval by expertly heading home a cross from Zin Phyo Aung.
Pablo - Svay Rieng FC
Pablo created history in Phnom Penh by bagging the first-ever hat-trick of the competition to book Svay Rieng FC’s place in the tournament proper. And his four-goal display against Young Elephants FC is one that will endear him to the supporters after joining the Cambodian champions last month from Naxxar Lions in Malta.
It only took the 28-year-old three minutes to give Svay Rieng the lead after Cristian’s opener as he made it 2-1 to the hosts at the interval. But it was in the second half that Pablo really came alive, showing true striker’s instincts and completing his treble by the 62nd minute before adding a fourth in the 74th minute to seal the 8-3 aggregate win.
Khun Kyaw Zin Hein - Shan United FC
He might not have added his name to the scoresheet, but Khun Kyaw Zin Hein was the livewire for Myanmar National League champions in the second leg. With Wednesday’s lively display, the 22-year-old winger, who made his international debut for Myanmar last year, proved he will be one name to watch out for in the Shopee Cup.
Khun Kyaw Zin Hein not only tested Wardun Yusof on multiple occasions in Yangon but also created four chances during the 84 minutes he was on the pitch – more than any other player. The Shan United forward also attempted a match-leading seven dribbles, completing an impressive six of them.
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