THE Philippine Under-22 team absorbed its first defeat in the 30th Southeast Asian Games men's football competition, 2-1, at the hands of Myanmar on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Win Naing Tun came off the bench and delivered the game-winner for the Burmese, outsmarting defender Amani Aguinaldo and goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus in the 79th minute.
Unlike in an opening draw with Cambodia on Monday, the Azkals failed to score a match-saving goal as captain Stephan Schrock’s free kick in the 91st minute went straight to goalkeeper Sann Sat Naing.
Myanmar, now on top of Group A with four points on a win and a draw with Malaysia, drew first blood when Aung Kaung Mann found the back of the net in the 16th minute.
The hosts, however, were quick to respond as Justin Baas struck just before halftime off a good pass from Dennis Chung that came Yrick Gallantes’s corner kick.
The Philippines had several chances to take the lead early in the second half with Chima Uzoka coming closest, only to be called for offside. Baas also had an opportunity for a second goal but his attempt in the 61st minute went off the mark.
“It’s not easy to lose the game this way,” said Young Azkals coach Goran Milojevic. “We played excellent in the second half. We had many chances and kept the ball (on our side). Much better team play in the second half.”
“They used one counter attack and scored. It’s not nice to lose that way but we must be looking forward for the next match,” he added.
It was the Philippines’ fourth straight defeat to Myanmar in the SEA Games as it fell on the brink of elimination in Group A. The host must beat reigning silver medalist Malaysia on Friday at 8 p.m. to stay in the hunt for gold.
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