The Philippine Men’s National Team’s yielded to Tajikistan, 0-2, in the semifinal of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup 2018 at the Cox’s Bazar Stadium in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh last Tuesday 9 October 2018.
Led by the heroics of goalkeeper Louie Casas, the Philippines defended admirably for the whole match as Tajikistan pressed on from the start.
Tajikistan found the back of the net in the 33rd and 97th minutes to claim the spot in the final where they will face the winner of the other semifinal match between Bangladesh and Palestine.
Despite the semifinal exit, the Philippines, led by head coach Andres Gonzales, had a stellar performance in the tournament with a 2-0 win over Laos and a 1-0 win over host Bangladesh to win Group B. Captain Misagh Bahadoran, Jovin Bedic, Javier Gayoso, and Kenshiro Daniels all found the back of the net for the Philippines in the tournament.
“We thank the Philippine Men’s National Team for their spirited efforts in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup 2018,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “This tournament served its purpose as a way for the other players to make their mark in preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 next month and the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 next year.”