AFC Cup MD2: Nay Pyi Taw 3-1 Tampines Rovers

The Myanmar National League runners-up, who drew 2-2 with Indian side Pune in their opening match in Group H two weeks ago, took a 1-0 lead into the interval when Italian striker Michele Di Piedi fired them ahead in the 39th minute at the Paung Lang Stadium.

Joon then struck twice after the break, making it 2-0 on the hour mark before adding his second of the game seven minutes later to put the hosts firmly in command.

Veteran striker Aleksandar Duric pulled a goal back for the S.League champions in the 70th minute but it was a mere consolation for Tampines, who remained bottom of the group without a point after two games.

Meanwhile, Nay Pyi Taw moved level on four points with Group H leaders Kitchee, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Pune in Hong Kong.

Nay Pyi Taw coach Myo Hlaing Win was delighted with the result.

“We prepared very well for this match because this is a home game and we were playing in front of our own fans,” he said.

“My players played exactly how I instructed them for this match. We actually started slowly in the first half but we were in good form after 30 minutes.

“I specially prepared our attacking play for this match and that is why we won. Our players tried very hard and they gave their best for the team and I am happy because we won this game in front of our fans.”

According to Tampines Rovers coach Salim Moin, the difficult conditions on a warm afternoon in Myanmar got the better of his players.

“We are very tired because we had to come from Yangon to play this game and moreover, the game started at 4:00pm so it was really hot,” he said.

“My players could not cope with this situation and they look tired and could not play with their full energy. It was really hard game for us and while our strikers had good chances to score, we were not lucky team today.

“But although our strikers hit the post a few times and we had some bad luck, Nay Pyi Taw still deserved to win this game.