The result was just enough to fire Vietnam through to the last eight as one of the two best third-placed teams, as Mai Duc Chung’s side were above bottom-placed Myanmar on goal difference (-6 vs -7).
Vietnam entered the decisive clash knowing that they would need at least a draw to advance to the knockout round. Meanwhile, it was a must-win game for Myanmar if they wanted to go further.
In the first 20 minutes, Myanmar produced three successive threats forcing Vietnam goalkeeper Kim Thanh to work hard for saves. It took them only six more minutes to go ahead, with Win Tun scoring from the penalty spot.
Despite creating fewer opportunities, Vietnam managed to restore parity in first-half stoppage time thanks to a direct goal by Tuyet Dung from a cornerkick situation.
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Vietnam's Phuong Thao in action against Myanmar's Tun Win Theingi during the match. (Photo: AFC)
Myanmar resumed their lead four minutes after the break with Khin Tun running onto Win Tun’s pass to beat goalkeeper Kim Thanh.
However, Huynh Nhu put an end to Myanmar’s Asian Cup journey by converting a 62nd-minute penalty to secure Vietnam a much-needed tie.
The result put Vietnam at third in Group C and handed them a quarter-final berth as one of the two best third-placed teams, alongside Thailand.
Mai Duc Chung’s side will compete against China on January 30 for a place in the semi-finals.
