A Momo-rable moment against Man Utd

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The unheralded name of Maung Maung Lwin rings loud now in Asian football.
The man from Myanmar embarrassed Manchester United with his winner for the Asean All Stars in the Maybank Challenge Cup at Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
Maung Lwin, known to teammates as "Momo", beat his Man Utd marker before firing a low shot in the 71st minute that hit the Red Devils' net.
"Maybe this isn't a dream," said Maung Lwin, his eyes wide and voice trembling.
"This is something rare, not just for our team, but for all of Asia. That's why I'm just so happy," added the 28-year-old winger from Yangon.
"It's the biggest goal of his career," said South Korean Kim Sang Sik, the Asean All Stars coach.
"But more than that, it symbolised what's possible. We celebrate what Asian football can be."
Apart from Maung Lwin's heroics, the hastily cobbled Asean All Stars side showed Man United what unity is all about.
Sang Sik said though the team were formed in only two days, they played like they have known each other for 20 years.
"We trained for two days. But they listened, they understood, they fought. It's unbelievable," he added.
"United are a global team. However, this match shows that Asian players like Momo can play for foreign clubs. We need to stop thinking we're second best."
When the final whistle blew, the Korean made his way to the centre circle, where his Asean players stood, arm-in-arm, sweat and disbelief clinging to their shirts.
"This is one match. Just one. But it's a reminder. A reminder that Asia belongs in the global conversation," said Sang Sik.