The Philippine Men’s National Team had an impressive opening match in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup 2018 after a 3-1 win over Laos last Wednesday 3 October 2018 at the Sylhet Zila Stadium in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Jovin Bedic and Jarvey Gayoso both netted their first international goal for the Philippines while skipper Misagh Bahadoran added a third goal late in the match to put the Philippines through to the knock-out stages.
The team is coached by Andres Gonzales, in lieu of Scott Cooper, who was unable to come to the tournament, and assisted by Randolfo Clarino.
The Philippines had an early chance from the corner kick in the 13th minute. Bahadoran flicked the ball to the path of Bedic, but the forward’s effort was deflected away.
Laos almost made it 1-0 in the 40th minute, but the returning Louie Casas sent the shot away to keep the scores level.
Bedic made it 1-0 on the stroke of half-time. The Kaya FC Iloilo forward was brought down inside the box, and duly converted on the penalty with a shot to the bottom-left corner that left the goalkeeper rooted to his spot.
Minutes into the second half, Casas produced another diving effort to deny Laos before Gayoso headed home his first senior team goal in the 53rd minute. Hikaru Minegishi found the Ateneo de Manila forward free in the far post for the cross that led to the goal.
Bahadoran added a third goal inside the last 10 minutes of the match after another penalty call.
Laos found a consolation goal in the 88th minute from the penalty spot.
The Philippines will face host Bangladesh tomorrow 5 October 2018 at the same venue to determine the top team in Group B.
Photos from Bangladesh Football Federation