Myanmar to lock horns with Turkmenistan and Afgnanistan in May

 I would like to dedicate this blog for fans around the world who support Myanmar National League and National Team. The following is the translation of the article from Myanmar Football Federation website.

 http://themff.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=711:2014-03-15-04-03-33&catid=53:men&Itemid=501

Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) has organised to play international friendly matches against Turkmenistan and Afgnanistan National Teams for Asian Challenge Cup 2014.

 
As a warm up preparation for AFC Challenge Cup 2014, MFF have officially requested to Turkmenistan and Afgnanistan football federation for international friendlies yesterday.Turkmenistan and Afgnanistan were not the opponents MFF first sought. Despite early organisation to play against Malaysia, the negotiation slipped through due to Malaysian players’ commitment to domestic league. The international friendly match will on 6 May 2014 in Yangon pending agreement from one of the football governing bodies.

 
“Yesterday we have invited Turkmenist and Afgnanistan for friendly matches on 6 May in Yangon. Malaysia initially agreed to play but later it was cancelled due to their players’ commitment to domestic league. Myanmar Football Coach also did not want to play friendlies at the end of May since Myanmar is flying to Maldives for AFC Challenge Cup Group A qualification. If both Turkmenistand and Afgnanistan were to decline for the friendlies, the squad will go to Bangkok for training camp and will play warm up matches in Bangkok,” U Ko Ko Thein ,Vice secretary of MFF, said.

 
According to FIFA football rank, former Soviet Union Nation, Turkmenistan is in 142 position and Afgnanistan in 127. The teams involved in AFC Challenge Cup 2014 are Myanmar and teams from Group B. Recent arrival of the new head coach and opening round of top flight, Myanmar National league 2014 in February and busy players’ schedule are the reasons for lack of friendly fixtures leading to a drop in FIFA rank to 173. The MFF spoke man said MFF is aiming the national side to have higher FIFA ranking after May.

 
“FIFA ranking depends on how many matches a national team play. No Friendly matches means drop in FIFA ranking. A national team who plays against higher FIFA ranking sides and wins will make leap in FIFA rank. In last few months, we have tested ourselves against ASEAN national sides. FIFA’s rank for national sides who were playing in 2015 Asian Cup Qualifying stages go up. In Myanmar, this is the beginning of the football season and also we have recently appointed a new head coach. By the end of May, we hope our rank will climb up,” MFF spoke man said.

 
Myanmar is in Group A and are playing against host Maldives, Palestine and Gharjinistan from May 19 to May 23. Myanmar will advance to the final tournament, Asian Cup 2015 in Australia if coming as a Group topper.