U22 Philippines vs U22 Myanmar: Difficult to Repeat the Miracle (18:00, Dec 5, Live on VTV, VTV5)

05/12/2025 09:10:00 VictoryVox

U17 Myanmar created a shock by defeating U17 Oman and U17 Syria to qualify for the 2026 AFC U17 Championship finals. Could this achievement serve as motivation for their seniors at the 2025 SEA Games?

It is necessary to look back at the overall picture of Myanmar football in recent years. The national league has been unstable, many clubs face financial troubles, and young players have limited chances to play regularly. Youth teams have often been eliminated in the qualifying rounds, while the senior national team no longer holds the challenging position it had during 2011–2017. In this bleak scenario, the rise of the U17 team is an intriguing paradox: a squad without stars or expectations, yet playing disciplined, fast, and spirited football.

The success of U17 Myanmar is not due to a miracle but a quiet change in their selection approach. They have many players developed through local academies, with a solid technical foundation and especially a fearless competitive spirit. Myanmar is known for passionate play, but previous youth teams often lacked the courage in decisive matches. The U17 generation broke this pattern, demonstrating that Myanmar football still has potential if invested in properly.

U17 Myanmar has just achieved a miracle, but U22 Myanmar faces great difficulty.

Therefore, U22 Myanmar enters the 2025 SEA Games with both inspiration and pressure. After the younger team’s success, fans expect the team to show a new face: younger, stronger, and more ambitious.

Preview and odds for U22 Myanmar vs U22 Philippines at 18:00 on Dec 5, SEA Games 2025

However, the reality at the U22 level is much tougher. U22 Myanmar still reveals inherent weaknesses: poor physicality, lack of players with extensive domestic experience, and a clear gap in quality compared to Thailand, Indonesia, or Vietnam. While U17 surprised partly because opponents underestimated them, at U22 every team prepares thoroughly and complacency is unlikely.

Nonetheless, it is undeniable that the inspiration from the U17 squad is creating a positive effect. It helps change mentality and confidence, which are the most important factors in youth football. The U22 players understand that Myanmar football can still achieve something if it focuses on discipline and unity. They also learn that success does not come from outstanding individuals but from a team that fights tirelessly.

Expected lineup U22 Philippines vs U22 Myanmar

- U22 Myanmar: Hein Htet Soe; Htoo Wai Yan, Kaung Htet Paing, Latt Waii Phone, Mar Ti No; Zaw Win Thein, Arkar Kyaw, Swan Htet, Moe Swee; Than Toe Aung, Thurain Tun

- U22 Philippines: Gonzalez; Leddel, Rosquillo, Merino, Alakiu; Rublico, Guimaraes, Ortega; Monis; Aldeguer, Mamon.

Prediction: 1-1

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