Despite the lack of preparation heading into the tournament, the Philippines U-22 squad still put up a fight against a promising Vietnam squad in their opening match in the AFF U-22 Championship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The Philippines were expected to go down easily against a heavily-prepare kod U-22 side from Vietnam who produced the AFC U-23 Championship first runners-up last year. The boys in white held off the opposition in the entire match amidst the heavy pressure put on them by the Golden Dragons.
The Philippines saw a chance to win the game as they went ahead on the 50th minute. Dylan De Bruycker made a lovely run on the left before being brought down by the defence just outside the box. JB Borlongan stepped up to the plate and slotted the ball on the top left corner of the goal where the keeper had no chance of reaching.
However, Vietnam didn’t want to stay behind and pushed on for the equalizer. Matt Asong was on constant pressure from the attackers but he always deflects their shot away from the goal. He did let one slip past him on the 74th minute when Danh Trung Tran received a lovely square ball before tapping it past Asong.
It didn’t take long for Vietnam to overturn the tie as Le Minh Binh took advantage of the scramble inside the box amongst the defenders. He just dinked the ball past the scrambling defence and a frustrated Asong. From then on, they didn’t allow any chance for the Philippines to breath heading into the final whistle.
AFF U22 Championship 2019
FT: Vietnam 🇻🇳 2-1 🇵🇭 Philippines
⚽️ 50’ @JAYBEEEE08 pic.twitter.com/1NGPw1ylRO— The Philippine Football Federation (@philfootball) February 17, 2019
Despite the defeat, the boys should keep their heads held high as they managed to score first against a worthy opposition given the circumstance they went through heading into the tournament. They will now rest and face the defending U-22 champions Thailand on the 19th of February.
