Bishkek: Myanmar captain Yan Aung Kyaw has stressed the importance of Tuesday’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Kyrgyz Republic, the first of a double-header against the Central Asians, with both sides level on three points following matching Group A results so far: a win over Macau and defeat to India.
The Yangon United midfielder has worn the skipper’s armband in both of Myanmar’s third round fixtures and, while acknowledging the ability of their Matchday Three hosts, is quietly confident of victory at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.
Q: You now face back-to-back matches against Kyrgyz Republic on Matchdays Three and Four, can you tell us your opinion of them?
A: Obviously, these are a pair of hugely important games. Kyrgyz Republic, in my opinion, are one of the strongest teams in our group. They have so many quality players and are well organised.
I think they will look to bounce back against us after they lost India in their last away match, but I feel we are in good form, with high spirits and confidence, and we’re ready for this game.
We came here for the three points and then we will go back to our country in order to prepare for the return meeting and another victory.
Q: How important is coach Gert Zeise to the Myanmar team?
A: He showed what he can do for Myanmar Football when he helped us reach the final four of the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship and earned us a ticket to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
He has worked in Myanmar Football for almost seven years now and obtained very good results. He is very important to the team, and we all trust him a lot.
Myanmar's U-22 team impressed in the recent Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games.
Q: What is the current state of the Myanmar national team and Myanmar football in general?
A: It’s a really busy time in Myanmar football right now. We reached our 2017 SEA Games target of the semi-finals, and now we are fully focused on qualifying for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
The Myanmar Football Federation will host the 2017 AFF U-18 Championship in Yangon as well as 2018 AFC U-16 Championship qualifiers. Meanwhile, we have our domestic championship, the Myanmar National League, ongoing.
So, the last four months of this year will be very busy for Myanmar Football.
Q: And how is the life of a footballer in this busy period in Myanmar?
A: There is no difference between football stars and other people here. Life is very simple for me. I play for my team, for my country, and for my family.
Some of our younger footballers are extremely popular in Myanmar, but they are intelligent guys and polite.
Q: Finally, at 28 years old, you have already played 55 matches with the national team. Which are some of your most memorable games?
A: Personally, when we played against Korea Republic in the second round of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Bangkok. We lost against them in that match [2-0], but I feel I played very well and I showed what I can do for my team.
Also, I will never forget the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup campaign and the games we took part in there, it was a very memorable tournament for me.
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Photos: AFC, MASOC
Source: the-afc.com