The AFF U19 Youth Championship continued on June 7, 2026, with a compelling Group Stage clash at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. Myanmar U19 produced a dominant second‑half display to defeat Timor Leste U19 3‑1, collecting three valuable points in the regional youth tournament.

Match Overview

Both sides entered the match with ambitions of progressing to the knockout rounds. Timor Leste started brightly and took an early lead, but Myanmar’s superior fitness and tactical discipline turned the game around before the interval. The win keeps Myanmar in contention for a semi‑final berth, while Timor Leste must regroup for their remaining fixtures.

Key Moments

• 11th minute – Timor Leste strike first. A swift counter‑attack caught the Myanmar defence off guard, and a composed finish from the edge of the box gave the underdogs a 1‑0 lead.
• 28th minute – Myanmar equalise. A well‑worked corner kick was met by a powerful header from central defender Kyaw Zin Oo, restoring parity.
• 44th minute – Myanmar take the lead. Winger Soe Min Thu collected a through ball on the right flank, cut inside, and curled a left‑footed shot into the far corner to make it 2‑1 at half‑time.
• 67th minute – Sealing the victory. Substitute Aung Khant Soe converted a penalty after a handball in the box, making the final score 3‑1.

Tactical Story

Myanmar’s high press forced several errors from the Timor Leste midfield after the opening goal. Coach Saw Aung Kyaw’s decision to switch to a 4‑3‑3 in the second half overwhelmed the Timor Leste full‑backs, who struggled to contain overlapping runs. By contrast, Timor Leste’s early intensity faded as the match progressed, revealing a lack of depth on the bench.

Standout Players

Soe Min Thu (Myanmar): The winger was a constant menace, providing the equalising assist and scoring the crucial second goal. His dribbling and directness unsettled the Timor Leste defence.

Jose Belo (Timor Leste): Despite the loss, the young goalkeeper made several fine saves to keep the scoreline respectable, including a point‑blank stop in the 52nd minute.

Standings Impact

Myanmar U19 now have four points from two matches and sit second in the group. Timor Leste remain on one point, with a must‑win game against group leaders Thailand looming. The defeat puts pressure on their qualification hopes, but with two matches still to play, nothing is decided.

The AFF U19 Youth Championship continues to showcase the region’s emerging talent, with Myanmar’s performance a clear statement of intent.