Philippines stumbles vs Myanmar in Asean Hyundai Cup opener

Jayvee Gayoso reacts during a game between the Philippines and Myanmar in the 2026 Asean Hyundai Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine men’s football team absorbed a 4-1 loss to Myanmar in a rough start to its Group B campaign in the 2026 Asean Hyundai Cup on Tuesday at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

The home side conceded two goals inside the first half-hour, before its bid to salvage a draw in the second half was thwarted when Myanmar found the back of the net with less than 10 minutes before stoppage.

READ: Rookie-laden PH football men’s squad opens vs Myanmar

It was a stinging defeat for the Philippines, which two years ago came close to reaching the final for the first time before losing a heartbreaking two-legged semifinal tie to powerhouse Thailand.

Coach Carles Cuadrat’s side came into the competition missing some of its regular mainstays who were not released by their overseas clubs with the Hyundai Cup not held during the international window.

Myanmar celebrates a goal during a game vs the Philippines in the 2026 Asean Hyundai Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Kyaw Min Oo put Myanmar ahead when he bundled the opener off a set piece seven minutes after kickoff.

Myanmar doubled the lead in the 28th when Than Paing capitalized on a Philippine miscue to score the first of his two goals on the night.

Jarvey Gayoso gave the Filipinos some hope with a goal in the 68th to slice the margin in half, only for Myanmar to restore order in its favor when Win Naing Tun and Paing scored in the 81st and 83rd.

Myanmar bounced back from a 2-1 loss to Malaysia at home over the weekend to improve to three points, even with Group B leader Thailand, which has a game at hand.

Up next for the Philippines is Laos on Saturday in Vientiane. Laos lost to Thailand in its opening assignment, 5-0.