BY JONAS TERRADO
Games Thursday
(Binan Football Stadium, Laguna)
4 p.m. – Vietnam vs Laos
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
4 p.m. – Brunei vs Thailand
8 p.m. – Indonesia vs Singapore
THE Philippine U-22 team conceded a late second half goal and absorbed a 2-1 loss to Myanmar in the men’s football competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Win Naing Tun beat defender Amani Aguinaldo before sending the ball past goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus in the 79th minute to eventually give Myanmar the maximum three points at the expense of the home side.
Tun’s goal deflated an Azkals U-22 side that appeared to have gained momentum following Justin Baas’ goal shortly before halftime.
But the lack of finishing that came despite Stephan Schrock’s play at midfield and Jarvey Gayoso’s solid showing as a converted left back hurt the Philippines’ chances, allowing Myanmar to capitalize.
With the loss, the Azkals U-22 of Serbian coach Goran Milojevic must now beat Malaysia on Friday at the same venue to stay in contention for a semifinals berth in Group A.
A win will enable the Young Azkals to repeat the stunning defeat of the Malaysians at the same venue in the 1991 SEA Games when Norman Fegidero scored the winner in the 84th minute.
The Philippines will play its final group stage match against Timor-Leste on Dec. 4 at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Striker Aung Kaung Mann put Myanmar in front in the 17th before Baas cancelled it out, struck the equalizer off Yrick Gallantes’ cross followed by Dennis Chung’s pass.
