DHAKA, Bangladesh – Myanmar midfielder Paing Soe came off the bench to score a late brace to break Bangladesh hearts in their crucial AFC Challenge Cup qualifier at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on April 28.

The super-sub produced two goals in just eight minutes as Myanmar cancelled out Enamul Haque’s early strike to secure a 2-1 victory over 10-man Bangladesh, strengthening their chances of progressing to the AFC Challenge Cup finals as Group A champions.

Bangladesh were then reduced to 10-men when defender Nasir was sent off in the 87th minute for a second bookable offence.

With six points, Myanmar needed just a draw from their final group match against Cambodia to top the group. They were due to face Cambodia on April 30.

Myanmar got off to a bright start in their clash against Bangladesh and were awarded a penalty inside 60 seconds when defender Mamun Mia brought down Yazar Win Thein inside the box. However, goalkeeper Aminul Haq managed to block Myo Min Tun’s spot kick with his outstretched right hand.

It should have been a wake-up call for the hosts but they struggled to match the higher-rated Myanmar, who dominated the midfield over the 90 minutes.

Despite this midfield dominance, Bangladesh took the lead in the 12th minute when Enamul Haq headed home an Emon Mahmud corner.

Myanmar continued to control possession after the break and they were almost rewarded for their pressure seven minutes into the second half. Yazar Win Thein smashed a Pyae Phyo Oo cross past the Bangladeshi goalkeeper but saw it bounce back off the upright.

New Myanmar coach U Tin Mvint Aung sent on midfielder Paing Soe in place of Bo Bo Aung on 63 minutes and the midfielder made his mark just four minutes later.

Myo Min Tun, who constantly troubled Bangladesh’s defenders, whipped a cross in from the right and Paing Soe rose high to head the ball past Aminul, securing a leveller for his side.

The momentum had shifted to Myanmar and the visitors could have taken the lead in the 71st minute. Paing Soe stole the ball from defender Ranaji and advanced into the box but Bangladeshi custodian Aminul saved his shot.

Two minutes later, Paing Soe silenced the 5000-strong home crowd, tapping in his second after Aminul failed to hold a Myo Min Tun shot from outside the box.

Bangladesh almost conceded a third goal in the 79th minute, when substitute Aung Kyaw Myo headed narrowly over the bar.