The Philippine under-17 men’s national team (PMNFT U17) figured in a close call against a world-class opponent, narrowly losing to two-time U17 World Cup finalist Iraq, 3–2, in the opening game of the 2026 AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers (U17 ACQ) in Aqaba, Jordan, on Sunday midnight.
The Philippines exchanged goal with the mighty Iraqis for the first 75 minutes, but Alamer Hayder squeezed in the winner in the 76th minute off a spill by goalkeeper Jaime Sandejas, who earlier produced four crucial saves in the second half to keep the Filipinos in contention.
“Again, our boys played beyond expectation,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez. “To be that close to earning a point against a World Cup country is incredible, and the fact that we scored two goals against them is proof that the Philippines is beginning to be a formidable force in Asian youth football.”
PMNFT U17 head coach Tetsuya Tsuchida also lauded the team’s resilience and commitment.
“Unfortunately, we lost the game yesterday, but the players gave their all for the Philippines,” Tsuchida, the PFF Head of Youth Development said. “While I regret that the second and third goals conceded might have been preventable especially, I am proud of them for performing our style of football throughout the match and for fighting without giving up. We still have three matches remaining. We will address the areas needing improvement and prepare for the next game.”
Iraq opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Hayder finished a right-sided cross from Ali Amer.
Unfazed, the Philippines responded with energy and intent. Lawrence Binalong forced a save from Osamah Ahmed Hussein in the 25th minute, and the ensuing play saw Filbert Tacardon deliver a well-timed cutback to Aarran Long from the right wing, who struck cleanly from the middle of the box to equalize in the 26th minute.
Iraq regained the advantage in the 41st minute through defender Muntadher Hayder, who headed in an inswinging corner from the left after slipping free of his marker.
Iraq continued to threaten before halftime, but Sandejas came up big with three vital saves, including a double stop in the 43rd minute.
The Philippines came out firing in the second half. Binalong, who earned online buzz earlier this year for his solo goal in the Lion City Cup, unleashed a stunning 35-yard worldie in the 52nd minute to bring the match level once more and reignite Filipino hopes of an upset.
Momentum took a hit in the 63rd minute when Long, the team’s top scorer in 2025, was forced out of the match with a leg injury.
Iraq capitalized late through Hayder’s second of the night, and despite a final chance in stoppage time with Joshua Moleje chasing Tacardon’s through ball inside the box, the Philippines fell just short of another equalizer.
“I am so proud of our U17 boys,” Gutierrez added. “The quality of this team has improved over the past year, and even if they are faced with the difficult task of qualifying to the U17 Asian Cup, with games against Australia and Jordan up next, they have proven that they can match up against the continent’s best in this game against Iraq.”
The Philippines will look to secure their first win when they face Bhutan on November 25 at 12 midnight, Manila time.
