Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel says he’s happy with the result as there remains plenty of time for improvement ahead of the World Cup.
“We had said before these will be good build up matches for us and knowing the coaching staff they will be analysing the mistakes and will come up with better plans for the next game,” Patel says.
“Myanmar are one of the better teams in the AFC as they qualified ahead of Australia, South Korea, Japan and China so we are not disappointed.
“The more game time we give this U-20 team before the World Cup, the better they will get.”
More than 20,000 local fans packed the stands to watch the match in which Fiji more than matched the AFC U-19 Championship semi-finalists.
After missing the qualifying campaign due to suspension, striker Iosefo Verevou made a welcome return to the national set-up, starting up front in place of Saula Waqa.
Fiji dominated possession in the opening 20 minutes and missed a great chance in the 17th minute to the relief of their hosts. Another excellent opportunity presented itself just after the half hour mark as the ball was cut back on the goal line but the finish in the middle was lacking the killer touch.
Fiji were left wondering what might have been when Myanmar took a 1-0 lead. After a tidy work-up into the box from the home side Fiji goalkeeper Misiwani Nairube couldn’t keep the shot under control, spilling it onto the foot of Myanmar’s striker who fired into the back of the net.
The visitors continued to press for an equaliser only to be denied time and again by a well organised Myanmar side keen to protect their lead.
Fiji U-20: 1. Misiwani NAIRUBE [GK], 2. Praneel NAIDU, 3. Garish PRASAD, 5.Antonio TUIVUNA, 7. Nickel CHAND, 8. Setareki HUGHES (C), 9. Iosefo VEREVOU, 10. Narendra RAO, 13. Mataiasi TOMA, 17. Kolinio SIVOKI, 18. Al-taaf SAHIB
Substitutes: 4. Jale DREOLA, 6. Mohammed KHAN, 11. Zane Lingam, 12. Tevita WARANAIVALU, 15. Saula WAQA, 16. Jonetani BUKSH, 19. Divikesh DEO [GK], 20. Shaneel NAIDU [GK], 22. Ashnil RAJU, 23. Gabrieli MATANISIGA
Coach: Frank FARINA
Myanmar U-20: 1. Myo Min LATT [GK], 3. Htike Htike AUNG, 5. Nanda KYAW (C), 7. Nyein Chan AUNG, 8. Maung Muang SOE, 10. Than PAING, 14. Nan WAI MIN, 15. Tan Naing OO, 16. Myo Ko TUN, 17. Thiha Htet AUNG, 20. Jyaw Min OO
Substitutes: 2. Tan Lin AUNG, 4. Naing Lin TUN, 9. Aung THU, 11. Maung Maung LWIN, 12. Hiaing Myo AUNG, 13. Shwe Win TUN, 18. Pyae Sone CHIT [GK], 19. Swan Htet AUNG
Coach: Gerd ZEISE
For more on Fiji football visit www.fijifootball.com.fj