FILE – Daisuke Sato of the Philippine men’s football team in motion during a game within the Asean Hyundai Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine men’s football team placed on a goalscoring spree within the second half to beat Laos, 4-1, and pick up its first victory within the Asean Hyundai Cup on Saturday in Vientiane.
John Lucero’s equalizer shortly after the restart sprung some life back for the Philippine squad that put itself behind seven minutes into the match when Damoth Thongkhamsavath struck the opener for the house side.
READ: Lack of key players helps doom Filipino booters vs Burmese
Javi Mariona’s goal later ruled as an own goal from Laos, followed by Jarvey Gayoso’s second of the competition and one other from veteran Daisuke Sato, enabled coach Carles Cuadrat’s side to secure its first points in Group B.
The Philippines bounced back from the same scoreline defeat by the hands of Myanmar last Tuesday at Latest Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
It was an all-important result for the Filipino side going into the 2 tough matches against Thailand and Malaysia that can determine its probabilities of making the semifinals for the second successive time.
The Filipinos battle Thailand at home on Tuesday in Capas before facing Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 7.
Laos dropped its third straight match, however it put together a dream start when Thongkhamsavath’s strike deflected past the gloves of Philippine keeper Quincy Kammeraad.
The Philippines appeared to have tied it up before the top of the primary half, but Sandro Reyes’ goal was nullified after an offside was ruled through VAR.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.