THE Philippines claimed its first victory in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, beating Laos, 4-1, on Saturday at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane.
PMNT gained the full three points, and bounced back after a 4-1 defeat at home against Myanmar last Tuesday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.
The Filipino booters also got a much needed boost ahead of its match-up against Thailand on Tuesday at New Clark City.
PMNT overcame a shaky start when it gave up early in the match when a shot by Damoth Thongkhamsavath went between the legs of goalkeeper Quincy Kammerad and into the back of the net.
But despite the early goal, the Philippines got most of the possession of the match, and it paid dividends in the first few minutes of the second half.
John Lucero evened the count at 1-1 in the 47th minute, scoring after receiving a short pass from Scott Woods inside the penalty box.
The Philippines got ahead on an own goal after a shot by Javier Marona was deflected off the foot of Viengxay Sidavong and into the back of the net in the 52nd minute.
Jarvey Gayoso connected on a penalty in the 60th minute after a handball, before Daisuke Sato scored an insurance goal in the 88th minute.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
