Mandalar: A second half onslaught from Myanmar saw them score four second half goals to come from behind to defeat Cambodia 4-1 to open their AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 campaign with a win.

After a first up loss against Malaysia, Cambodia, who were boosted by the presence of manager Keisuke Honda on the sidelines, came into the game knowing a win was needed to keep their hopes of advancing from Group A alive.

While the hosts, who were semi-finalists in 2016, dominated possession in the first half with almost 70% of the play, they lacked conviction in the final third, with star striker Aung Thu surprisingly starting the game on the bench. 

Happy to play on the counter and utilise the speed of the likes of Vathanaka, Sos Suhana and Reung Bunheing, it was that attacking trio that combined beautifully for the opening goal for .

A clever ball from Bunheing saw Suhana get in behind the Myanmar defence, with the midfielder sliding the ball across the box for Vathanaka to tap into an open net and give the visitors a surprise lead in the 23rd minute. 

The introduction of Aung Thu at half time gave the home side the spark they needed in attack, with chances for Aung Sithu and Tun Zin Min early in the second half going just wide.

The dominance from Antoine Hey’s side eventually told, and on the hour mark they drew level after Win Thein Than’s clever run and cross was finished beautifully by Bo Bo Hlaing.

Seven minutes later Myanmar were awarded a penalty, but Aung Thu saw his spot kick well saved by Keo Soksela.

It was a brief reprieve for the visitors, however, as just two minutes later the home side were ahead as Soksela went from hero to zero, spilling a simple catch which allowed Aung Than Htet to poke the ball home and put his side ahead for the first time in the match.

The home side added a third in the 88th minute when a shot from Maung Maung Lwin was parried by Soksela into the path of Aung Sithu who made no mistake from close range.

Bo Bo Hlaing secured his brace and added the icing onto the cake with Myanmar's fourth of the night deep into stoppage time.

Myanmar next travel to face Laos on Matchday Three in Vientiane on Friday, while Cambodia has a week to recover ahead of their home match on Matchday Four, also against Laos.