Azkals drop second straight match in loss to Cambodia

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine under-23 national football team suffered its second straight defeat at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, losing 3-1 to Cambodia on Wednesday, June 3 at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.

The Philippine side, which was eager to build off a strong showing in a 1-0 loss to Singapore on Monday, were shocked early on as Cambodia used sharp passing to consistently pressure Azkals goalkeeper Junjun Badelic.

Cambodia broke through at the ’29 mark as Prak Mony Udom found the back of the net. Cambodia tacked on another goal before heading into halftime when Sokpheng Keo scored at the ’40 mark.

Cambodia maintained their aggression early in the second half before the Philippines worked their way into the match, threatening at times before getting on the scoreboard with a score by Global FC’s Paolo Salenga scored the 2-1 goal.

The hopes of coach Marlon Marlo’s boys were dashed when Vathanaka Chan of Cambodia tacked on another goal at ’80 for the final tally.

To add injury to injury, Manila Jeepney FC booter Arnel Amita was sent off during injury time with a red card which will keep him out of action for the Philippines’ crucial game on Sunday against Myanmar.

The win was only Cambodia’s second victory in SEA Games football since 2001.

– Rappler.com