| Jefferson Tabinas scored a goal for the Philippines vs. Malaysia this Merdeka Tournament 2024. PFF |
By Gil Moriones
MANILA-- The Philippines added loss result in their column after being defeated by Malaysia Harimau Malaya, 2-1, in their opening match of the 2024 Merdeka Tournament at Bukit Halil Stadium at Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday night.
The 134th-ranked host nation will face Lebanon in the Finals after clinching the defending champions, Tajikistan through the 13th minute goal of Jihad Ayoub while the fresh loser PMNFT will face the same side in the Battle for 3rd Place match, all this coming Sunday.
In the opening 30 minutes of the match, the heated exchanges commenced between two teams which resulted for an early yellow card sanctioned against Michael Baldisimo and Jesper Nyholm.
In the first minute after the referee's whistle blown, a cohesion on the Malaysian side happened which freed to run by Dylan Demuynck, launched his attempt but saved by Malaysian keeper Syihan Hazmi.
Not until the chaos happened again to the side of Malaysian defense as Jeff Tabinas got the ball touch and a supposed-to-be a cross was deflected by defender in yellow caused it to go through the inside the net that effectuate for the first goal of the Philippines at 27th minute.
This is nation's first goal on their comeback appearance in Merdeka Tournament since 1972.
The national booters lead by their interim coach Norman Figidero enjoyed the lead not until the 43rd minute where Malaysian booter found Syamer bin Kutty who landed an attempt from outside the box after Neil Etheridge failed to tap causing for the home side to equalize the game at 1-1.
The new comer Matthew Baldisimo committed a fatal outcome for the PMNFT as he tackled Aiman Hanapi, who was locating his support in their break, inside the box that merited a penalty in favor to Malaysia at the 73rd minute.
With the virtue of the converted penalty kick by Safawi bin Rashid, the Malaysia successfully prevailed against the Philippines to claim their first lead of the game, 2-1.
Jeremiah Borlongan's debut was highlighted from his solid cross feed nearly inch for Jarvey Gayoso to head it towards goalmouth.
Netizens and fans were alleged some irregularities in terms of how the referee officiates the games, particularly by not giving a penalty from the supposed fouls inside the box which suffered by Patrick Reichelt in the first half and Sandro Reyes at the second half.
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