The Philippine Men’s Under-19 National Football Team has won for the first time against Timor-Leste U19, 2-0, notching a crucial win in the 2024 ASEAN U19 Boys’ Championship in Surabaya on Saturday.
Striker Otu Banatao lifted the boys with a brace, scoring an early goal off Noelle Moya’s back volley in the 11th minute and doubling with an interception off a clearance by Fabrizio Do Santos in the 61st minute.
Goalkeeper Cesar Iñigo Castro and his back third pals controlled the Philippines’ defense with crucial gathers and clearances, limiting Timor-Leste to only a shot on goal despite a number of good forays in their striking zone.
“Superb composure and, most of all, game management by our boys and coaching staff. Excellent, excellent job in notching our very first win against Timor-Leste after three losses in tournament history,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez.
While Timor-Leste had three shots near the goal in the second half, only one early attempt in the 33rd landed on Carlos’ goal courtesy of Alexandro Lemos.
Aside from its two goals, the Philippines had two more shots on target courtesy of Banatao in the 23rd minute, and San Beda’s Sylver Pormento in the 86th minute.
“The boys have now come of age as men and this is a positive step in strengthening our men’s national team in the near future,” Gutierrez added.
“We also thank the coaching staff led by our Technical Director Josep Ferre and assisted by champion coach Popoy Clariño, as well as team manager and PFF Director for Football Vince Santos, for their excellent game plan against the tough Timorese side,”Gutierrez continued.
“This bounce back from our loss against Indonesia is testament to Coach Ferre’s tactical acumen and his ability to adjust despite suffering from a huge setback,” he added.
The Philippines is currently at third place with three points (-4 goal difference) in Group A, same as the Timorese, who have a superior -1 goal difference, owing to a 3-2 opening win against Cambodia last Wednesday.
Despite suffering a 0-6 loss against Indonesia in the opener, the Philippines will face the Cambodian team on Tuesday.
The Philippines had three losses against Timor-Leste in past competitions: 2-5 in 2019, 1-2 in 2016, and 1-2 in 2013.
“Now, we have the best chance to advance to the knockouts for the first time in ASEAN U19 history. A win against Cambodia may boost our semis bid. We call on the Filipino community in Surabaya to pack the Gelora 10 November Stadium on Tuesday evening and for our supporters back home to cheer for our national team,” Gutierrez concluded.
