AFC U17 Asian Cup
A first-half brace from Ali Makki and two penalties after the break gave the two-time winners a confidence booster before they face 1998 champions Thailand on Sunday while Myanmar will look to make amends against Tajikistan on the same day.
The hosts got off to a great start with midfielder Makki slamming home past Myanmar keeper Htet Wai Yan in the third minute.
A defensive blunder in the 23rd minute then gifted Saudi Arabia their second goal after a lurking Makki robbed the ball off a defender close to the goal line and gleefully blasted his shot past a stunned Htet.
A defensive blunder in the 23rd minute then gifted Saudi Arabia their second goal after a lurking Makki robbed the ball off a defender close to the goal line and gleefully blasted his shot past a stunned Htet.
Saudi Arabia continued to press forward, but poor finishing, some good work by Htet and a steady Myanmar defence saw their efforts to further widen their advantage before the break come to nothing.
Group A: Saudi Arabia v Myanmar
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Htet’s strong performance came undone in the 58th minute when he gave away a penalty, with Faris Bu Shaqraa then sending his spot-kick directly at the keeper but quickly making amends to slot home the rebound.
There was more misery for Myanmar in the 74th minute when a foul by defender Myo Khant Kyaw saw a second penalty awarded against them, with Abdullah Aldawsari driving the ball beyond an outstretched Htet to cap an emphatic performance from the hosts.
