Taiwan was knocked out of the qualifying campaign for the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup after suffering a 1-0 loss to Myanmar in their second group match in Kyrgyzstan Saturday.
Taiwan started off the campaign as underdogs and finished last in Group I after suffering identical 1-nil losses to Myanmar Saturday and Vietnam on Wednesday, both at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek.
A total of 39 teams placed into 11 groups are competing for 15 spots at the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup from June 1-22, with only the group winners and the four best runners-up qualifying for the tournament, which will be its fifth edition after the first was held in 2013. Tournament hosts Uzbekistan qualify automatically to round out the 16-team lineup.
Having put in a gritty defensive performance against Vietnam earlier this week, Taiwan held its own to deny Myanmar any real chances of scoring in the opening 15 minutes of their match.
As the Southeast Asian side grew into the game, a wide shot from just 10 meters in the 20th minute and another close chance deflected by the crossbar in the 40th minute from Myanmar forward Win Naing Tun suggested danger for Taiwan.
It was not until the 80th minute when Myanmar was able to penetrate Taiwan’s defense for the first time in the second half with substitute forward Kaung Myat Thu converting a low cross from defender Aung Wunna Soe for the winning goal.
After the match, Taiwan head coach Chen Jiunn-ming (???) said he was very proud of his players’ performance because they showed perseverance and ambition on the pitch.
However, Taiwan was unable to score from its attacks, and instead lost the ball to the opposing team which resulted in them scoring a goal, Chen said, adding that the team will learn from its mistakes.
The players all implemented the tactics assigned by the coaching team and demonstrated strong competitiveness, and hopefully, they will have more high-intensity international competitions in the future to allow them to continue to grow, Chen said.
On Tuesday, Myanmar and Vietnam will go into Group I’s final match with the same number of points and goals with the winner topping the group.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel