The Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team came close to getting the three points after a hotly-contested 2-2 draw in the AFF U23 Championship 2023 at the Rayong Provincial Stadium in Rayong, Thailand.
Selwyn Mamon broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute to give the Philippines the lead. A long throw by John Lucero on the left hand side was nodded by the Laos defense into the path of Mamon, who headed it past into the goal.
However, Laos answered back in the 39th minute. Chantavixay Khounthoumphone’s free kick was initially saved by Enrico Mangaoang, but Khamsa Phimmasone was there to slot in the rebound.
Concerns mounted for the Philippines in the 77th minute after defender Jaimer Rosquillo was given a red card leaving the Under-23 side to finish the match with ten men.
Despite the disadvantage, the Philippines found the back of the net in the third minute of added time. Skipper Yrick Gallantes found substitute Dennis Chung in the box who rifled it from inside the penalty area.
But the celebrations quickly turned sour just minutes after the goal as Laos slotted the equalizer on the stroke of full-time.
“We fought hard through halftime and then obviously the assist from me to Chung, who came in and scored,” said Gallantes after the match. “Unfortunately, the last-minute goal they scored, which was very unfortunate for us.”
The Philippines face Vietnam on Tuesday 22 August 2023 at the same venue.
