The Philippine under-17 men’s national football team engaged in an intense exchange versus Laos but narrowly lost, 4-3, in the 2026 ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship on Wednesday at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik, Indonesia.
Despite this, PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez underscored “the team’s growing competitiveness and attacking evolution” as the team improved from their last meeting in 2024.
In stark contrast to their 3-0 loss to the same opponent in the 2024 edition, the young Filipinos engaged Laos in an end-to-end battle marked by improved attacking, resilience, and determination.
“While the result did not go our way, the match underscored the team’s growing competitiveness and attacking evolution. What our boys have shown are indicators of progress in Philippine youth football development,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez added:
“This performance shows how far our under-17 men’s team has come, from being dominated just two years ago by Laos to now having more confidence and attacking intent against the same opponent. We are taking a step-by-step progress in our youth development, and this is a sign that our young athletes are beginning to embrace a more proactive, fearless style of football.”
Laos struck early in the 2nd minute through Phoutphatai Chanthalangsy, who finished a swift 2v1 counterattack initiated by Odin Siphanit.
The Philippines responded with increasing attacking pressure, as Aarran Long and Nathaniel Alberto tested Laos goalkeeper Sankham Thavithong with multiple attempts.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Joshua Moleje controlled a cross from Christian Luis Trelles with composure before slotting home the equalizer.
The Filipinos continued to press, and their persistence paid off in the 40th minute when Long outmuscled Palindeth Phettakounh in a one-on-one situation to give the Philippines a 2-1 lead.
However, Laos equalized just before halftime, as Anousith Pradith converted a free kick in stoppage time to make it 2-2 heading into the break.This followed a play where an attacking Anousith stumbled on his dribble, but his marker, Manu Simpao, was called for an illegal tackle meriting a yellow card.
“The first half we created a lot of chances to win the first half,” said PMNFT U17 head coach Joan Segura. “I think in attack the team was good, but in defense we did not control the transitions. They have fast players in transitions.”
The second half continued the high-tempo exchange, with goalkeeper Jaime Sandejas making crucial saves early on.
Laos, though, regained the lead in the 56th minute, with Anousith finishing off a well-worked move from Siphanit.
The Philippines remained undeterred and found a way back into the match in the 83rd minute when Jordan Villanueva calmly converted a penalty following a handball inside the Laos box, leveling the score at 3-3.
“For me, I think not everything goes our way—sometimes we lose, sometimes we win,” said Moleje. “About the team, I think I’m very proud of the team. I know we did our best. We gave everything on that field. We put our soul and everything on that pitch.”
Despite the equalizer, Laos capitalized in the dying moments of the match. In the 90th minute, Phoutphatai delivered a precise pass to an unmarked Alounsa Silipanya, who fired home the winning goal near the goal to seal a 4-3 result.
Segura emphasized the need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture. “We tried to win the match, but it’s football. Until the last minute, we need to play,” he said. “Now it’s time to rest and focus on the next game.”
PMNFT U17, already eliminated in the tournament, will look to build on their encouraging performance as they close their campaign in the final group stage game against Myanmar on April 18 at 4:30 PM (Philippine time) at the same venue.
