Chan United and Ezra met in the ASEAN Club Championship play-offs on Sunday, with the hosts holding on to win 1-0 on penalties after a 90-minute stalemate. The result came just three days after Ezra had beaten them 3-2 in their previous encounter, so there was history between them that added an edge to proceedings. Chan United finished the match with a red card to show, but they saw it out. By then the game had been decided in the shootout.
M. Sekyi was sent off in the 37th minute and that changed the complexion of things. Chan United threw bodies in the way and managed to keep Ezra at bay despite being a man down. Moe Thet Wai broke the deadlock in the 90th minute and the goal came late enough that it felt like a reprieve. The old head settled them down when they needed it most.
The penalty shootout was where the match was truly settled. Chan United won 3-1 after a tense sequence that stretched to extra time. Edson scored the decisive spot-kick in the 120th minute to complete the turnaround. Several attempts went astray on both sides before the final outcome became clear.
Chan United dominated possession at 56 per cent and registered 17 shots, though only four found the target. Ezra had fewer attempts but were sharper with 23 per cent accuracy. The hosts also earned 11 corners compared to three for the visitors. Many shots with one goal means chances went begging.
The victory keeps Chan United in the competition despite their winless run in the league. They sit sixth with zero points from five games, so the tournament is where they need to find form. Ezra remain competitive but the away result will sting after their recent success. The relationship has soured between these two sides over the past week.