In a match that mirrored their earlier result against Myanmar, the PMNFT salvaged a draw late against a determined Laos side in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
Sandro Reyes scored a late goal to ensure the Philippine Men’s National Football Team shared the spoils on Sunday night at the Laos National Stadium.
Despite dominating the majority of the contest, the Filipinos settled for their second straight draw in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024.
“We didn’t attack well. We were very predictable with so many players behind the ball,” said
Head Coach Albert Capellas after the match. “We weren’t brave enough to move the ball
quicker and to play in between the lines, and for that I’m disappointed because, I know my
team can play better.”
From the first whistle the Philippines showcased their ability to keep the ball and dictate
possession, starving the hosts of any opportunities to threaten. Kike Linares and Michael
Kempter came close from set pieces in the opening 20 minutes, but it was Laos to score first
from a corner kick. ten minutes from the break, against the run of play, Michael Baldisimo
suffered the misfortune of turning the ball into his own net.
The Philippines emerged from half-time eager to restore parity. Laos remained stubborn,
though, minimizing the visitors’ opportunities inside their box. With 15 minutes to go, their
resistance was finally broken. Paul Tabinas found Sandro Reyes from a quick transition, and
the young midfielder slotted the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
The Philippines came close to scoring a late winner. Alex Monis thought he’d found the go-ahead just a few minutes after, but his clever finish was waved away for offside. Javier Mariona
came close to being the hero as well right at the finish, but his low curling effort was tipped
away by the goalkeeper.
“Today was a step backwards, but we need to move forward,” said Capellas.
The Philippines are back in action on December 18, 9PM, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium,
where they take on powerhouse Vietnam in their third match of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric
Cup 2024.
Banner Images from the PFF.