Myanmar midfielder Maung Maung Lwin is ready to give it everything he has to help his side reach the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals for the second successive tournament.

The 23-year-old Yangon United player was part of the team that equaled the country’s best ever performance at the AFF Suzuki Cup when they reached the 2016 semi-finals before defeat to eventual champions Thailand.

The midfielder was part of Myanmar’s U-23 side that recently returned from the Asian Games in Indonesia after putting on a strong showing that saw them finish level on four points with continental powerhouses Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as DPR Korea, only to exit by the narrowest of margins due to an inferior goal difference.

Maung Maung Lwin scored in the draw with the Koreans and the tournament is likely to have instilled further confidence ahead of the hotly anticipated AFF Suzuki Cup, where many of the players that lined up in Indonesia will turn out for their nation at senior level.

“In 2016, I didn’t expect to be in the line-up at all,” admitted Maung Maung Lwin, who has scored two goals for his country since making his debut in 2015.

“Our first match was against Vietnam [at home] and we lost 2-1, but it was such a sensational feeling. We tried our best to get to the semi-finals, which we managed to do, before we lost to Thailand and unfortunately had to leave the tournament.

“I was very happy that we could get that far and now, in 2018, we will again be giving it everything we have to be part of the semi-finals.”

Following that opening-day defeat to Vietnam, Myanmar produced the perfect response, claiming an away victory in Cambodia before David Htan scored in the last minute against Malaysia to take all three points following a 1-0 win that secured their passage into the last four.

The tournament is renowned for stirring national pride and more than 32,000 spectators had crammed into Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium to witness a victory that will live long in the memory.

Once again, Myanmar will be up against Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia – as well as Laos – in the group stage and will open their campaign at home to the Cambodians.

A trip to Laos comes next, before what is likely to be a crucial home tie against the Vietnamese which is sure to draw in another bumper crowd. The Asian Lions will again round off the group stage against the Malaysians, but this time it is they who will be the visitors.

“It’s such a thrilling feeling to represent your country at the AFF Suzuki Cup because it happens only once every two years,” added Maung Maung Lwin.

“When we play at home we have all our fans cheering us and that’s something we rarely get the chance to experience. It’s so inspiring, and every player on the team feels the same.

“Playing for Myanmar is very important for us all and we will do everything we can to succeed for the people of the country.”

 Photo: Getty Images