YADANARBON FC moved to equal top of the Myanmar National League table with a 1-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Kanbawza FC at Aung San Stadium on June 4.

The win came courtesy of a 27th minute goal from Ivorian striker Babo after Yan Paing held up the ball and sent in a low cross from the left flank that eluded the Kanbawaza defender. Babo stuck out a long leg before trapping, turning and shooting past a helpless Kyaw Zin Htet, sending the blue half of the capacity crowd into raptures.

Yadanarbon’s African trio – Gnonsian Patrice, Kambou Ollo and Babo – all played crucial roles in the win, their tendency to keep the ball on the ground helped link defence with attack and would have pleased coach Yoan Girard.

Yadanarbon’s first scoring opportunity came in the 20th minute, when Gnonsian sprinted through the middle, dishing off to Yan Paing who in turn fed Tun Tun Win on the right flank. Kanbawza keeper Kyaw Zin Htet could only palm away his dangerous cross and Paing Soe should have done better with a headed effort.

Magway opted to play a longer, more direct game with captain Soe Myat Min the focus of their attacking thrusts. He had a priceless opportunity to level the scores on 43 minutes when he lost his marker at the back post but his header was well saved by Yadanarbon goalkeeper Yin Min Aung.

As the match wore on, Yadanarbon went more defensive and Kanbawza struggled to fashion any openings but did have a 69th-minute penalty appeal for a handball by Kambou turned down by referee U Win Cho. Yadanarbon also had a decent shout for a penalty waved away after Yan Paing was brought down in the box after 83 minutes.

With just a few minutes remaining, Aung Kyaw Oo had an opportunity to nick a draw for Magway but his free header from a Khin Maung Lwin cross flashed just wide of the post.