Yangon United book AFC Challenge League group-stage spot
YANGON United defeated Laos club Ezra FC 2-1 in the AFC Challenge League 2026-27 Preliminary Stage qualifier at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon at 4 pm yesterday, securing a place in the East Asia Zone group stage and guaranteed prize money of about K400 million.
The victory also avenged Yangon United’s penalty-shootout defeat by Ezra FC last season. The Yangon side secured a group-stage berth on home soil as well as substantial prize money.
“We watched last year’s match. The coach and the players have changed this time. It will be a good match, and we will play to win,” Yangon United head coach Marcelo Cirilli said at the pre-match press conference.
The first half ended goalless, but Yangon United improved after making substitutions following the interval. Mustafa headed home Maung Maung Lwin’s delivery in 62 minutes before Than Paing doubled the lead in 70 minutes, finishing from Mustafa’s assist. Ezra FC pulled one back from the penalty spot in 81 minutes, but Yangon United held on for a 2-1 victory. A fan who watched the match at the stadium said Yangon United could have scored more had they avoided misplaced passes, communication errors and rushed finishing. He added that earlier substitutions for players struggling to link up with the team might have helped create more scoring opportunities.
With the victory, Yangon United have advanced to the group stage, where they are expected to face stronger opposition. The club also has the opportunity to earn more than K6 billion in prize money if it wins the competition. — Htun Htun/KZL
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