The Philippine men’s under-19 national football concluded its 2024 ASEAN U19 Boys Championship campaign with three points and a third place finish in Group A as the young Filipinos narrowly lost its final game, 0-1, against Cambodia on Tuesday evening in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Despite the result, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez vowed to strengthen the national youth teams.
“We are going to make sure that our age group teams’ trajectory is upward,” Gutierrez said. “With our renewed emphasis on grassroots and youth talent development, we believe this will translate to better results in upcoming youth tournaments, as we want our younger teams to be the talent pool of future senior national teams.”
Striker EaV Sovannara sank the winning goal from point blank range in the 11th minute off a right flank cross from Soen Thavisiv, but was met with complaints from the Philippines as Thavisiv appeared to be from an offside position before issuing his assist.
While the Philippines controlled 58 per cent of possessions, their chances in the final third have been limited by Cambodia’s defense.
Otu Banatao’s header from Benz Samaniego’s free kick in the 23rd minute was above the crossbar; Sebastian Lizares’ long header in the 47th minute hit the woodwork; and Martin Merino’s last ditch header to end the game fell short.
This has been the Philippines’ fourth loss against Cambodia in ASEAN U19.
The Philippines previously lost to the Cambodians in 2015 (0-1), 2013 (1-4), and 2011 (3-5).
“We will take this result. I think the boys deserve at least a draw. Cambodia’s goal may be seen as questionable because of a probable offside non-call, but there are lots of lessons to be drawn from this tournament that I am sure will aid the boys to be better,” Gutierrez commented.
“We wished to finish with a winning record, but our boys did play their their best, being brave in facing the physicality of ASEAN football.”
“This U19 batch coached by our Technical Director Pep Ferre and Popoy Clariño, and managed by our Director for Football Vince Santos, will pave the way toward stronger national youth teams. PFF thanks them and their parents for their sacrifice and dedication to play for our country. We are proud of them and we will work hard for them to be able to play for the national seniors’ team,” Gutierrez concluded.
The Philippines finished the tournament with a win and two losses with a -5 goal difference, matching its 2022 and 2015 campaigns.
In its second game last Saturday, the Philippines had a breakthrough 2-0 win against Timor-Leste, its first against the Timorese in tournament history.
