Shan United threatened as early as the fourth minute, Hein Phyo Win delivered a well-timed cross for Ye Yint Aung but his audacious headed attempt sailed over the bar.

The Myanmar side kept up the pressure with William Nyakwe sending a through ball for Efrain Rintaro, whose tame effort was easily saved by Young Elephants keeper Solasak Thilavong.

Young Elephants had a chance in the eighth minute when Takumu Nishihara connected with Phithack Kongmathilath’s free-kick but his header landed directly in the path of William Nyakwe, who cleared the danger.

A failed clearance allowed Shan United to take the lead in the 12th minute after Kittisak Phomvongsa let slip Hein Phyo Wi’s cross to Ye Yint Aung to score into the bottom left corner.

The Shan United midfielder doubled his tally five minutes later after finishing off Zwe Htet Min’s long pass with a deft lob over Thilavong.

Shan United were content to defend their lead in the second half but nearly widened their advantage in the 68th minute when Kyaw Zin Phyo set up Mark Sekyi at the top of the box, but the Ghanaian midfielder pulled his shot wide.

It didn’t matter in the end with the Myanmar side well on course for a spot in the knockout stage.