Action between the Philippines and Myanmar in the 2024 Mitsubishi Electric Cup, December 12, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Handout/PFFMANILA -- The Philippine men's football team battled to a 1-1 draw against Myanmar for a promising start to their campaign in the 2024 ASEAN Championship, Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

A well-taken spot kick by Bjorn Kristensen in the 72nd minute allowed the Filipinos to equalize, after Maung Maung Lwin opened the scoring for Myanmar in the 25th minute.

The visitors thought they had gotten a second goal in the 63rd minute through Ye Ying Aung, but it was ruled out by VAR.

An energized Philippine team pushed for the leveller, with Kristensen winning a penalty against Zin Nyi Nyi Aung and squeezing his attempt past the Burmese shot-stopper.

Neither team could secure a go-ahead goal, despite the ten minutes of added time. Kristensen had the best opportunity, but his attempt hit the side netting harmlessly.

The Philippines had chances earlier in the match through Sandro Reyes and Kristensen, but they were denied each time by the Myanmar defense. 

Statistics showed that the Filipinos dominated possession, and had 23 shot attempts -- eight of them on goal. They also had eight corner kicks to one for the visitors, and forced Myanmar's goal-keeper into seven saves.

Most of their chances went begging, however, and the hosts settled for the draw in their opening match of the Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

Both the Philippines and Myanmar now have one point each in Group B, with Myanmar having opened their own bid last Monday with a 1-0 loss to Indonesia.

The Filipinos will return to action on Sunday, December 15 against Laos at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane.