SURABAYA — The Philippine Under-17 Men’s National Team demonstrated resilience and significant in-game growth despite a 5-1 defeat to regional powerhouse Thailand in their Group B opener of the 2026 ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship on Sunday in Surabaya.
The match marked the first-ever meeting at the Under-17 level between the Philippines and three-time ASEAN champion and 2024 runner-up Thailand, providing invaluable exposure for the young Filipino squad against one of Southeast Asia’s most established youth programs.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez lauded the team’s response after a difficult first half against the three-time ASEAN champions and 2024 runners-up.
“Malinaw ang paglago ng koponan sa loob ng laban, mula sa mahirap na simula hanggang sa mas matapang na pag-atake sa ikalawang yugto,” Gutierrez said. “Ipinakita ng mga bata ang pusong Pilipino na lumalaban hanggang dulo laban sa isa sa pinakamalalakas sa ASEAN.”
Gutierrez added:
They showed discipline in adjusting to the pace of the match and responded with greater composure and intent after halftime. This experience will be vital in their growth as they continue to compete against the best teams in the region.
Team captain Leo Garcia echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two halves and the lessons drawn from the match.
“Being played on the pitch, it was different. I’ve been in the national team for quite a few times, but this wasn’t like the other games,” Garcia said. “Even though we prepared well, I don’t think we started as what we wanted to according to the game plan, according to ourselves, and most importantly, according to how we envisioned it.”
Thailand asserted control early in the match, capitalizing on quick ball movement and clinical finishing. Worawit Boonthaokaeo opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a precise strike from 20 yards following a back pass from Phuttichat Sukprasroeth.
Goalkeeper Jaime Sandejas was immediately tested, producing a save in the 14th minute and a crucial double stop in the 22nd to keep the Philippines within reach.
Despite Sandejas’ efforts, Thailand doubled its lead in the 29th minute as Pattarawee Deebansok broke through on the right flank and finished a one-on-one opportunity past Johann Wicklein.
Continued pressure saw the Thais extend their advantage just before halftime, with Thodsadon Promsiridet converting a rebound from a set piece in the 40th minute to make it 3-0.
Garcia acknowledged the team’s struggles in the opening half, aligning with the coaching staff’s assessment. “But, just like coach [Joan Segura] said, [in the] first half, we didn’t play that well,” he admitted.
The Philippines, however, emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Christian Trelles attempted an early effort in the 47th minute, signaling a more aggressive approach as the team sought to impose itself higher up the pitch.
Thailand added two more goals in the second half through Sathaporn Phoojomjit in the 62nd minute and an unfortunate own goal forced by pressure in the 66th minute, but the score line did not reflect the Filipinos’ improved performance.
“I’m really proud of the team with how they played despite the result,” Garcia said.
How we bounce back is how we move forward. I don’t believe that this is the end. Once we hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up.
The Philippines’ persistence was rewarded in the 79th minute when Aarran Long found the back of the net from close range, finishing off a well-delivered deep pass from Jordan Villanueva. The goal highlighted the team’s improved attacking cohesion and willingness to press forward despite the deficit.
Sandejas continued to anchor the defense with multiple saves late in the match, including key stops in the 74th, 89th, and stoppage time, underscoring his standout performance throughout the contest.
Despite the game being out of reach, the Philippines still attacked with intent. In added time, Long created another chance in front of goal but his header barely missed off a quality left cross from newcomer Tomohiro Seki.
For Garcia, the match serves as a critical learning point rather than a setback. “So the only thing I believe from here on is just we learn from our mistakes, we don’t cry about it, we don’t moan about it. Instead, we focus on the next game, we play our best,” he said.
The Philippine U-17 Men’s National Team now shifts its focus to its next Group B assignment against Laos on April 15 at 4:30 PM (Philippine time)/3:30 PM (Surabaya), where it aims to build on its second-half performance and continue its development in the regional stage.
PFF remains confident that performances like this, marked by resilience, adaptability, and character, will contribute to the long-term growth of Philippine football at the youth level.
