More than defeating powerhouse Myanmar, 3-2 in the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore, Bienvenido Marañon became the first-ever Azkal to score three goals in a single game during the group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The naturalized player was unstoppable on the field after showing his presence early by turning Myanmar’s failed clearance to a goal at the 16th minute. He then knocked in a cross from Iain Ramsay three minutes later.
Despite the aggressiveness of Myanmar, Marañon completed his hat-trick at the 45th minute mark. He moved past the defense of Myanmar before unloading a well-placed header for a 3-0 count.
Myanmar got the offense after the break with substitute midfielder Htet Phyoe Wai converting past Azkals goal keeper Kevin Hansen at the 74th minute.
Htet backed Myanmar after slotting another goal at the 86th minute mark to trim the deficit to 2-3 but failed to score a follow up.
“The beginning (with the Philippine Azkals) was hard. Every time you come in as a new player, everything is very hard,” said the United City Football Club mainstay.
“Now I find myself very good in the training, and it shows in the game. Today I showed what I can give to them,” he added.
With the victory, the Azkals ended the tournament with six points, on two wins and two losses. Myanmar ended the tournament as the fifth and last place in the group with three points at the back on one victory and three defeats.IMT Sports
