Shan United go 3 points clear as Yangon United draw in MNL

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  • Shan United go 3 points clear as Yangon United draw in MNL

Defending champions Shan United moved three points clear at the top of the table in the 2025–2026 Myanmar National League (MNL) after securing a late victory on 24 December.
At Thuwunna Youth Training Centre, Shan United edged Thitsa Arman FC 3-2 in a hard-fought encounter. The league leaders capitalized on Yangon United’s goalless draw with Ayeyawady United to extend their advantage at the summit. Despite making several changes to their starting line-up, Shan United maintained their winning momentum, although they faced stern resistance and needed a stoppage-time goal to seal the result.
Thitsa Arman took the lead in 23 minutes through Saw Myo Zaw, who pounced on an error by Shan United goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu. Shan United responded four minutes later when Sa Aung Pyae Ko levelled the score. The forward struck again just before half-time to give Shan United a 2-1 lead at the break. In the second half, both sides pressed for goals, and Pyae Sone Aung equalized for Thitsa Arman in 84 minutes. However, Shan United found the decisive breakthrough in 90+3 minutes when Mark Sarki headed home from a corner kick. Sa Aung Pyae Ko was named Man of the Match. After nine matches, Shan United have collected 25 points, while Thitsa Arman remain on eight points.
Meanwhile, at Yangon United Sports Complex, Yangon United and Ayeyawady United played out a goalless draw. Yangon United dropped points as they sought to maintain pressure on the leaders ahead of a direct clash, while Ayeyawady United earned a valuable point. Ayeyawady goalkeeper Soe Arkar claimed the Man of the Match award. Following the match, Yangon United sit second with 22 points from nine matches, while Ayeyawady United have 11 points.
Matchday Nine concludes on 25 December, with Hanthawady United facing Dagon Star United at Thuwunna Youth Training Centre, while Maha United take on Dagon Port at Thihadipa Stadium. — Shine Htet Zaw/KZL

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