Philippines routed by Myanmar in ASEAN Cup opener

The Philippines Men’s National Football Team opened its ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 campaign with a disappointing 4-1 loss to Myanmar on Tuesday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

The defeat ended the Philippines' eight-match unbeaten streak and marked its first loss since falling to Thailand in the semifinals of the 2024 tournament.

Myanmar struck early, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Kyaw Min Oo headed home a corner kick at the far post.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 28th minute as Than Paing calmly finished another well-worked attack to send Myanmar into halftime with a 2-0 cushion.

The Philippines appeared to have a chance to pull one back before the break after Jarvey Gayoso was brought down inside the penalty area, but the referee overturned the penalty call following a VAR review.

Gayoso eventually got the hosts on the scoreboard in the 68th minute, finishing clinically to trim the deficit to 2-1 and spark hopes of a comeback.

Myanmar quickly regained control, however.

Win Naing Tun restored the visitors' two-goal lead in the 81st minute with a header off Hein Htet Aung's cross before Than Paing completed his brace two minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.

The victory was Myanmar's first in Group B after opening the tournament with a 2-1 loss to Malaysia. The win lifted Myanmar to second place in the standings, while the Philippines dropped to fourth and remained without a point.

The Philippines will try to rebound on Saturday when it visits Laos at the New Laos National Stadium, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.

Myanmar, meanwhile, returns home to host Laos next Tuesday at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.