Kyi Lin (centre) celebrates after scoring Yangon United FC’s second goal against Zeya Shwe Myay FC.

YANGON United FC got the Myanmar National League Cup underway with an impressive 4-0 win over Zeya Shwe Myay FC at a packed Thuwanna Stadium on Saturday.

Four second-half goals – the opener from man-of-the match Myo Min Tun, a brace to Kyi Lin and an 86th minute strike from import Missipo Ndatang – capped an emphatic win for U Tay Zar’s side.

But the scoreline was harsh on Zeya Shwe Myay, who missed several gilt-edged chances, including an 88th minute penalty after Aung Thaik brought down Kyaw Ko Ko in the box.

Many in the 20,000-plus crowd had been at Thuwanna since 1pm, drawn by pre-match entertainment featuring R Zarni, Sai Sai Kham Hlaing and actress Eindra Kyaw Zin.

As kick off approached, thousands were left stranded outside when police shut the gates, refusing to let any more bodies into an already over-crowded stadium. Fans packed into every crevice of the venue, standing in aisles and exits to get a glimpse of the opening match of Myanmar’s first professional football tournament.

Zeya Shwe Myay fans watch Sandi Myint Lwin perform before the opening match of the Myanmar National League Cup Grand Royal 2009 at Thuwanna Stadium on May 16.

The players might have been largely the same but there was a buzz around the ground that only a bumper crowd can bring. The atmosphere seemed to draw top-class performances from national team stars like Myo Min Tun and Aung Moe, who previously played their club football in front of a few hundred people.

Some things seemed unchanged from the Myanmar League. Min Thu wore his trademark wristband and, as always, set the tone with some bone-jarring challenges. Both goalkeepers struggled to cope with high balls and crosses but, as always, no one managed to capitalise on these frailties. Yangon United FC even wore their old Air Bagan strip from last year’s competition.

Zeya Shwe Myay had keeper Zaw Moe Htet to thank for keeping them in the match early on, as Yangon United dominated the first half. The first moment of danger for either side came in the 25th minute when Naing Oo Lwin collected a poor clearance and his shot from the edge of the area was turned over the bar.

Two minutes later his strike counterpart Kyaw Thura had a shot from a similar position and Zoe Moe Htet again palmed it out for a corner.

Yarzar Win Thein found an opening to shoot after 30 minutes but scuffed his shot into a Yangon defender and two minutes later his first touch let him down again in a similar position. After he lost possession, Myo Min Tun took the ball through the midfield and set up Kyaw Thura but the forward could only watch as his vicious strike cannoned back off the upright.

As the half drew to a close, Myo Min Tun had several half-chances but couldn’t beat Zaw Moe Htet. The referee’s whistle ended a disappointing period for Zeya Shwe but they could at least count themselves lucky not to be behind.

Not for long. Less than two minutes after the restart, livewire Myo Min Tun beat his marker to nod home a corner at the near post. The opener sent the green section of the crowd into raptures and the Yangon players streamed down the athletics track in front of the main grandstand, the midfielder making a point of kissing the badge on his shirt.

Zeya Shwe Myay manager U Nyan Win responded by bringing on winger Kyaw Ko Ko for the ineffective Kyaw Zin Win and the move sparked his side into life.

On 60 minutes the substitute capitalised on Aung Aung Oo’s hesitance, lifting a shot over the approaching keeper that was on target for the back of the net until Aung Thaik headed it behind for a corner. Two minutes later Kyaw Ko Ko partnered with Aung Moe to set up Si Thu Than but his header was straight at the Yangon keeper.

Yarzar Win Thein then had two priceless chances to level the scores but couldn’t find the composure to steer the ball home at the back post.

These misses were to prove costly. In the 72nd minute Yangon doubled their lead in spectacular fashion when Kyi Lin evaded a Min Thu challenge on the edge of the box and then blasted the ball home from a tough angle.

Zeya Shwe continued to attack and three minutes later should have pegged one back. Kyaw Ko Ko dribbled down the right flank and sent in a deflected cross that left Aung Aung Oo flat footed. Aung Moe only had to tap the ball home unmarked at the back post but contrived to smash the ball against the crossbar, Yar Zar Win Thein failing to connect with the rebound.

With 10 minutes until the final whistle, the crush in the stands eased as fans began to leave in droves. The action was far from finished though – Kyi Lin provided the highlight of the match on 84 minutes when he collected a loose ball and unleashed a shot from 30 yards that gave Zaw Moe Htet no chance.

The only disappointment so far for Yangon United had been the debut of giant striker Missipo Ndatang, who struggled to match the pace of his Myanmar counterparts after he came on in the 50th minute – his efforts drew more jeers than cheers from the fans.

But he redeemed himself – and showed why U Myo Hlaing Win signed him – in the 86th minute. After Myo Min Tun charged through the midfield and laid the ball off to Missipo, the Cameroonian controlled it with his first touch and then smashed a shot past Zaw Moe Htet from the edge of the area.

Kyaw Htay Oo’s penalty miss two minutes later was simply the icing on the cake for Yangon fans.