YANGON, July 25: Paulo Josué scored twice in five second-half minutes as Malaysia came from behind to beat Myanmar 2-1 in Yangon and make a winning start to their ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 Group B campaign.
Myat Kaung Khant had given Myanmar the lead in the 10th minute, but Josué levelled the scores seven minutes after the restart before converting a penalty five minutes later to complete Malaysia’s comeback.
Tan Cheng Hoe’s side started positively at Thuwunna Stadium, with Mohamadou Sumareh and Syafiq Ahmad both going close in the opening exchanges.
However, it was Myanmar who broke the deadlock.
Win Naing Tun charged down the left before his shot was blocked by Rodney Akwensivie’s sliding challenge. The rebound fell kindly to Myat Kaung Khant, who lifted his effort over Malaysia goalkeeper Azri Ghani.
Malaysia came close to an equaliser in the 29th minute when Endrick’s free-kick into the penalty area was headed against his own crossbar by Than Paing.
Myanmar then threatened to double their advantage, with Win Naing Tun shooting across the face of goal with eight minutes remaining in the first half.
Pavithran Gunalan lashed an attempt over the crossbar for Malaysia, while Win Naing Tun struck the woodwork in the final minute of the half following another dangerous counterattack by the hosts.
Malaysia finally drew level seven minutes into the second half.
Endrick delivered a corner towards the far post, where Sumareh headed the ball back into the six-yard box. Josué then swivelled on the ball before firing home from close range.
Sumareh was again involved as Malaysia completed the turnaround five minutes later.
The Malaysian winger was brought down by Myanmar captain Nanda Kyaw, prompting referee Yusuke Ohashi to point to the penalty spot.
Josué stepped up and sent goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung the wrong way to give Malaysia a 2-1 lead.
Myanmar pushed for an equaliser but Malaysia goalkeeper Azri Ghani produced a crucial save to preserve his side’s advantage, pushing Than Paing’s header onto the crossbar.
Saw Myo Zaw also headed into the side netting as Myanmar continued to search for a second goal, but Malaysia held on to secure all three points.
The victory gives Malaysia a winning start to their Group B campaign as Tan Cheng Hoe’s side continue their pursuit of a second ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ title after their triumph in 2010.
