Yangon – Myanmar National League champions Shan United FC booked their place in the group stage of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ for the second year in a row after they beat Lao League 1 champions Ezra FC 1-0 on Friday to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory in the Qualifying Round Play-Offs.
Leading 2-1 from the first leg in Chonburi last Saturday, Shan United extended their advantage through a penalty by Ye Yint Aung in first-half stoppage time and they never looked in real danger of conceding against their Laotian opponents who were playing their third game in six days.
With their win, Shan United have advanced to play in Group B, where they will meet four ASEAN national league champions – Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia, Nam Định FC of Vietnam, Lion City Sailors FC of Singapore and Cambodia’s PKR Svay Rieng FC, as well as Thai League 1 runners-up Bangkok United FC.
A late penalty by Khun Kyaw Zin Hein in Chonburi had put Shan United on top and they went close to adding to their lead after 13 minutes in Yangon when Myat Kaung Khant’s low cross was parried by goalkeeper Kop Lokphathip towards Efrrain Rintaro, who was unable to direct the ball on target.
Shan United dominated possession and they were presented with the chance to put the match out of reach in first-half stoppage time when they were awarded their second penalty of the tie after an Ezra defender blocked Myat Kaung Khant’s free-kick with his arm.
Ye Yint Aung managed to pack enough power in the resulting spot-kick, which Lokphathip was unable to keep out despite diving the right way.
Ezra had beaten Shan United’s league rivals Yangon United at Thuwanna Stadium in a penalty shoot-out on Tuesday in an AFC Challenge League preliminary round match which went to extra-time, and the signs of exhaustion were clear as they struggled to respond after the interval.
Their best opportunities fell to Phathana Phommathep, who had an effort deflected wide, and Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone, who narrowly missed with a shot from distance.
Matheus Souza could have added to Shan United’s victory margin with eight minutes left but his shot from the left side of the box was well saved by Lokphathip.
Shan United will open their Group B campaign with a home game against Svay Rieng of Cambodia next Thursday.
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