Maung Maung Lwin insists Myanmar can do one better than two years ago and reach the final of the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup, as his side prepare to take on Cambodia in their Group A opener in Mandalay on Monday.

Prior to 2016, Myanmar had only once reached the last four of the Southeast Asian tournament – in 2004 – but they won two of their three group games, against Cambodia and Malaysia, to advance to a semi-final showdown with eventual winners Thailand.

And the attacking midfielder sees no reason why they can’t better that performance as Myanmar kick off their campaign in front of home support against a Cambodian side that have already played their first match, losing 1-0 to Malaysia in Phnom Penh on Thursday.

“Before the 2016 tournament started I didn’t think I’d be selected in the first 11 because at that time we had a lot of senior players and I was one of the junior players,” admitted Maung Maung Lwin.

“But I ended up playing so it is a great memory – it was one of the first times a played for my country so it is a happy memory.

“[For this tournament], I believe the team can perform well enough to again reach the semi-finals. We play well together and individual, so it’s not only the semi-finals we’re aiming for – we’re also aiming to make it to the final.”

Myanmar sat out the first round of Group A fixtures, when in addition to Cambodia’s loss to Malaysia, Vietnam also defeated Laos 3-0

There is expected to be a large crowd at Mandalarthiri Stadium on Monday and starting the tournament with a win will be seen as crucial for the hosts’ chances of progression.

Following a trip to Laos in their second match, Myanmar will host many people’s tip for the tournament, Vietnam, before travelling to Malaysia for what has the potential to be a crunch final matchday.

“The players represent the 60 million people from all over Myanmar, so we feel very proud and we want to do our best for the country,” added Maung Maung Lwin.

“I want all our fans to come and support us because they are our 12th player, so we need them to keep coming back and cheering us on. When we play in a full stadium, we feel much stronger.”