Despite the aggressive offense of Edvard Omitade and early saves by Enrique Sunico, the Philippine Under-16 Men’s National Football Team was off to a rough start, dropping their opening game of the 2024 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship against Laos, 0-3, on Friday at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Indonesia.
Goalkeeper Sunico of La Salle Greenhills had three early saves of Laos’ set pieces from the final third while San Beda forward Omitade’s shot was mere inches away from the opening goal in the 30th minute but the latter’s back heel strike was blocked by Ki Mounkanyah.
That sequence swung the momentum toward Laos, with Daophahad Kamkasomphou scoring in the 39th minute off a difficult pass by Kadam Koneyer, who muscled his way past Jimm Fabela and Michael Maniti to locate the goal scorer.
Omitade had a chance to tie the game late in the first half but his header off a right corner kick was saved by Thitsakhone Sumilvongvath.
Laos added in the 50th minute with Sikanda Xaisongkham scoring off Ki’s assist but multiple on-target shots from Maniti, Tobias Paulino, and Omitade were muffed, which included the latter’s 77th minute strike that hit the crossbar.
Substitute striker Vongdeuan Soulinbanh finished the job for Laos, scoring in the 90+10th minute.
The Philippines will next face host Indonesia on Monday, June 24, at 8:30 PM (Philippine time) also at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta.
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