By: GIL MORIONES
MANILA -- The Under-23 squad of the Philippine Men's National Football Team will have to endure another loss against Vietnam, as their match ended in a 2-1 victory for the young Golden Star Warriors in the semifinals of the ASEAN U23 Mandiri Cup at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday afternoon.
The Kim Sang-sik-led Vietnam is now in pursuit of their third Mandiri Cup title, showing their dominance with 56 percent ball possession, 20 shot attempts, and 475 passes.
Meanwhile, the neophyte semifinalists, the Philippines, only tallied 44 percent ball possession, seven shot attempts, and 380 passes. They also received one red card, as Jaime Rosquillo was sent off after committing a hard foul on a Vietnamese player, which led to a free kick in added injury time.
It wasn't until the 35th minute when Jian Caraig launched a long throw; the ball reached Noah Leddel, who headed it toward a freely running Javier Mariona, who slotted it in with his left foot. Tran Trung Ken was unable to make the save, giving the Philippines the opening lead, 1-0.
Both Mariona and Otu Banatao have scored two goals each in this Mandiri Cup.
But six minutes later, Nguyen Dinh Bac was left unmarked after his teammate struck the ball, which hit the post and deflected. Nicholas Guimarães reacted, but the unmarked Dinh Bac easily headed the ball in to equalize the game in the 41st minute, 1-1, just before halftime.
In the 52nd minute, Vietnam’s comeback began threatening the Philippine defense after a cross from Khuat Van Khang found Nguyen Công Phượng, who headed it on target but was saved by Guimarães.
However, two minutes later, the two-time defending champions completed their comeback, as Nguyen Xuan Bac’s header in the 54th minute was too much for Guimarães. The assist came from Nguyen Phi Hoà ng’s cross following a corner kick.
This marks Vietnam’s third win over the first-time semifinalists, the Philippines, in their ASEAN U23 Championship meetings. Vietnam now looks forward to securing their third straight title.
The young PMNFT still have a chance for their first podium finish in the battle for third place against the loser of the Indonesia–Thailand main event.
