2025 MNL League Cup final

The 2025 MNL League Cup Final was the culmination of the 2025 MNL League Cup, Myanmar's premier domestic knockout football competition organized by the Myanmar National League (MNL).^[1] The final was played on 6 July 2025 at the Thuwunna Youth Training Centre Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, featuring two of the country's most storied football clubs—Shan United and Yangon United.^[2]

This high-stakes fixture sees Shan United, the reigning champions and dominant force from Taunggyi representing the Shan State region, meet Yangon United, a traditional powerhouse and one of Myanmar's most successful clubs based in the nation's commercial capital.

In the semi-finals held on 23–24 June, Shan United secured their spot in the final with a convincing win, and Yangon United matched them following a strong performance in their own semi-final. The final is scheduled for 6 July 2025 at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, and anticipation is high as the match promises to reignite this storied rivalry. With Shan United eyeing a rare back-to-back League Cup triumph and Yangon United eager to avenge last year's narrow 1–0 defeat, fans are expecting a tactical, competitive clash—potentially decided by momentary brilliance under intense pressure. Standout individual performances, including those by top scorer Yan Kyaw Htwe, add even more intrigue to what promises to be a showcase of Myanmar's rising football standards. The winner qualified to the 2025–26 AFC Challenge League qualifiers.

Shan United’s journey to the 2025 MNL League Cup Final began with an unwavering performance in Group A, where they remained unbeaten across six matches, including a commanding 16–0 victory over Young Boys . Advancing to the quarter-finals, they secured a 2–0 win against Myawady, with early goals from Myat Kaung Khant (9′) and Thet Hein Soe (45+2′) on 18 June . Continuing their dominant form into the semi-finals on 24 June, Shan United overcame Ayeyawady United with a 2–0 victory, thanks to a 52′ strike by Mark Sekyi and a 57′ goal by Joe Hamilton. This decisive win booked their place in the 6 July final at Thuwunna Stadium. Their campaign has been marked by attacking firepower, tactical discipline, and defensive solidity—positioning them as the favorites to defend their title in the climax of Myanmar’s premier knockout competition.

Yangon United opened their campaign strongly in the group stage, finishing unbeaten in Group B with a dominant run that included a decisive 1–0 victory over Ayeyawady United on 10 May 2025 . In the quarter-finals on 19 June 2025, they faced the Hanthawady United and secured their place in the semis with a composed and disciplined performance . Continuing their impressive tournament form, Yangon United reached the semi-finals (scheduled for 23 June) against Yadanarbon won over 3–1.^[3] and booked their spot in the 6 July final at Thuwunna Youth Training Centre Stadium. Throughout the competition, the club demonstrated a blend of tactical acumen and attacking efficiency, cementing their reputation as one of Myanmar's elite and setting the stage for a riveting showdown against Shan United.

Yangon United lifted their fourth MNL League Cup title with a gritty 1–0 win over two-time defending champions Shan United in the 2025 final, played on 6 July at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. The match, watched by over 9,000 spectators, was a highly anticipated clash between two of Myanmar’s top clubs. In the 25th minute of the match, Shan United midfielder Myat Kaung Khant nearly gave his side the lead with a stunning free kick from outside the box. His curling effort looked destined for the top corner, but Yangon United goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung produced an incredible diving save, fully stretching to his right to palm the ball away. The save not only denied Shan a crucial opener but also energized Yangon United, who grew in confidence as the match progressed. Zin Nyi Nyi Aung’s heroic moment proved to be one of the turning points of the final, preserving the clean sheet that ultimately paved the way for Yangon United’s narrow 1–0 victory.

After a goalless and tense first half where both sides struggled to break through, the deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute when Japanese forward Aoto Saito found the net with a composed finish following a clever through ball and swift build-up play on the left flank. Yangon United then shifted into a more compact formation to protect their lead, relying on disciplined defending and timely interceptions.

The hero of the day was undoubtedly Hein Zeyar Lin, Yangon United’s central defender, whose leadership and precise positioning frustrated Shan United’s attacking duo. His efforts earned him both **Man of the Match**. Shan United, known for their attacking prowess and dominant possession style, had several opportunities to level the score, including a close-range header that was superbly saved by Yangon United’s goalkeeper, Zin Nyi Nyi Aung in the 75th minute. However, they were ultimately unable to break down the well-organized Yangon backline.

With this result, Yangon United not only secured silverware for the 2025 season but also booked their spot in the 2025–26 AFC Challenge League preliminary round. The triumph reaffirmed their status as one of Myanmar’s most successful clubs and ended Shan United’s recent dominance in the competition, marking a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between the two sides.

6 July 2025

15:30 MST

Shan United	0-1	Yangon United
	Full match Highlight	Aoto Saito 54'

Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon

Attendance: 9,000

Referee: U Zaw Zaw

Shan United

Yangon United

GK 13 Kyaw Zin Phyo CB 2 Zwe Khant Min CB 14 Mauricio  38'  83' CB 4 Thet Hein Soe LWB 11 Hein Phyo Win DM 6 Nanda Kyaw (c)  55'  57' CM 17 Ryuji Hirota  22'  83' RWB 7 Yuki Aizu AM 21 Khun Kyaw Zin Hein  69' AM 26 Myat Kaung Khant  69' CF 8 Mark Sekyi Substitutes: GK 30 Pyae Phyo Aung DF 3 Ye Min Thu FW 9 Thurein Tun  83' FW 10 Jordan Hamilton  57' DF 15 Aung Wunna Soe  83' MF 19 Thet Wai Moe MF 22 Hlaing Bo Bo  72' DF 24 Zwe Htet Min MF 29 Ye Yint Aung  69' Manager: Ono Hiroki

GK 1 Zin Nyi Nyi Aung RB 4 David Htan (c) CB 2 Hein Zeyar Lin CB 5 Kyaw Phyo Wai LB 22 Min Kyaw Khant  27'  73' CM 41 Wai Linn Aung CM 6 Arkar Kyaw  40'  69' RM 27 Aee Soe  22'  90+2' LM 8 Aoto Saito 54'  90+2' AM 7 Zaw Win Thein  65' CF 29 Rintaro Hama  77' Substitutes: GK 75 San Set Naing FW 9 Mogou  90+2' FW 10 Kaung Sithu  90+6'  77' DF 20 Aung Myo Khant  73' DF 26 Thurein Soe MF 28 Thar Yar Win Htet  90+2' MF 34 Chit Aye DF 46 Nyan Lin Htet  69' MF 47 Kaung Htet Paing Manager: Kyaw Dunn

• A champion trophy.
• Ks.350,000,000/- prize money.

• Ks.200,00,000/- prize money.

These matches will be broadcast live on Myanmar television:

• League Cup final
• 2025-26