KANBAWZA moved to the top of the Myanmar National League Cup table on May 26 with a 1-0 victory over Southern Myanmar at Aung San Stadium.
The Shan State side now has six points from two matches, while Southern Myanmar is yet to register a point in the cup competition.

Southern Myanmar improved significantly on their dismal opening performance against Yadanarbon last week and dominated the first half.

But, while they created plenty of scoring opportunites, the side’s forwards lacked the composure needed to get on the scoresheet.

Predictably Kanbawza hit back in the second half and scored the winner through an 83rd minute penalty taken by midfielder Win Min Htut after a handball by defender Zaw Khar.

“We tried so hard in today’s match. When the referee pointed to the penalty spot, it was really devastating for us,” Southern Myanmar captain Ko Ko Maung said at the postmatch press conference.

But Kanbawza captain Soe Myat Min said he felt the scoreline accurately reflected the balance of play.

“If you look back at today’s match, I think we deserved to win by at least one goal because my side worked hard throughout the match,” he said.

While they did indeed work hard, the result will raise question marks about whether Kanbawza can mount a serious title challenge. While the club is unbeaten, its six points have come from two uncon-vincing victories over inexperienced sides that are expected to struggled in the MNL Cup.

There were positives for Southern Myanmar, particularly in the first half when midfielder Banyar Oo linked up well with striker B James Htway but the lack of finishing prowess will worry coach U Kyaw Tint.