The Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) marked its long-awaited return to the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS) in style, powering past Guam, 5-1, in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Friendlies on Wednesday night.
Eighteen months after their memorable victory over Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Championship at the same venue, the Philippines once again delighted home supporters with an attacking display that showcased both established stars and exciting new faces as preparations continue for the 2026 ASEAN Championship next month.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez emphasized the importance of the tournament as the national team continues its build-up toward regional competition.
“A winning start on home soil against Guam is exactly the confidence-builder this group needed as we begin our final preparations for the ASEAN Championship in July — but we know the work is far from done, and these Tri-Nations Friendlies are precisely the proving ground where Coach Carles and his staff will sharpen this squad into a team ready to compete for the Hyundai Cup,” Gutierrez said.
The hosts wasted little time getting on the scoresheet as debutant Cole Mrowka announced his arrival in the sixth minute. The MLS standout reacted quickest after Guam goalkeeper Josiah Jones parried Jarvey Gayoso’s initial effort, delicately chipping home the rebound to give the Philippines an early advantage.
The energetic Filipino side doubled the lead in the 18th minute. Daisuke Sato delivered a ball from the left, and although Gayoso’s initial header was denied, the homegrown striker calmly converted the rebound for his fifth international goal.
The Philippines struck again just before halftime through an unlikely source. Right back Santi Rublico became an unlikely target man, latching onto a long ball from Jeff Tabinas and finished with his left foot in the 44th minute to score his maiden international goal and send the hosts into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Guam pulled one back on the hour mark when Levi Berg capitalized on a high press, intercepting the ball from Jaime Rosquillo before finishing a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad.
Any hopes of a comeback, however, were quickly extinguished by Andre Leipold. The German-born forward capped a patient build-up from the back in the 63rd minute, finishing off an assist from Gayoso for his first international goal.
Leipold then completed his brace deep into stoppage time, turning home Pocholo Bugas’ delivery from the left to seal the 5-1 victory and earn Player of the Match honors.
“First of all, I’m very happy, also to score my first two goals for the national team and I’m ready for the next game,” Leipold, playing on his first RMS game after a solid Asian Cup Qualifiers stint, said. “It was very good because first of all we have very new players. It was a good game in preparation for the next game so we need to keep going and win the next game.”
Mrowka, who impressed throughout his international debut, expressed his gratitude to the Filipino supporters who welcomed him with enthusiasm.
“I’m very honored to make my debut and obviously very happy that we got a very good result,” Mrowka told pff.org.ph. “It’s amazing. You don’t see anything like this. I’m so glad to be able to play in front of all of them and represent the country.”
He added:
Honestly, it feels like we’ve been playing together for so long. The connection on the field was just so coordinated. Thank you to the Federation for organizing this amazing event and to all the fans for coming out. We’re excited to see you again on the ninth.
Despite the result, Guam goalkeeper Josiah Jones praised both the quality of the Philippine side and the atmosphere generated by the home crowd.
“It’s tough playing against the Philippines. Good team, technically,” Jones told pff.org.ph. “Good atmosphere, they support their team really well, which makes it difficult for anyone coming. This is a great opportunity for Guam to play against the Philippines and Myanmar and continue developing against high-level teams.”
The Tri-Nation Friendlies continue on Saturday, June 6, when Guam takes on Myanmar. The Philippines will conclude its campaign against Myanmar on June 9. Both matches will be played at Rizal Memorial Stadium with kickoff scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and support world-class international football.
