MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine men’s U-23 football squad has already surpassed its win total from the 2015 Southeast Asian Games after their 2-0 victory over Cambodia on Tuesday, August 15 at Selayang Stadium in Malaysia.

Coming from a winless performance in the 2015 SEAG and the U-23 AFC Championship qualifiers held last month, the men donning the red shirts now stand second to Vietnam in the league with a 1-0-0 record and a +2 goal difference. 

During the scoreless first half, midfielders Daniel Gadia and Dylan de Bruycker led the Philippines by piling pressure on the Cambodians, who had more possesion throughout the match. The best chance that the men in blue had was from Brak Thiva in the 11th minute, which was saved by Ray Joseph Joyel. 

The energy of the second half emanated from the Philippines, as Jarvey Gayoso’s corner was able to find Reymart Cubon, who converted the shot with a header in the 51st minute. However, the goal scorer had to be subbed off due to an injury 6 minutes later, and was replaced by Nimrod Balabat. 

Gayoso continued the momentum as he created chances for himself in the 64th minute and the 71st minute, but his attempts were blocked by the Cambodian keeper Um Sereyroth. 

By the 82nd minute, Philippines was able to double their lead via a beautiful free kick by Kouichi Belgira that sailed past Cambodian defender Cheng Meng and straight into the net. Down 2-nil, the Cambodians became more aggressive, which cost them a red card on Chhom Pisa, as he smashed his forearm on Gadia. 

Cambodia had their last opportunity to score during the added time, but the free kick by Cheng Meng was saved by Joyel’s last minute heroics. 

The win was the Philippine men’s team’s first over Cambodia at the SEA Games since 2005.

Women’s team secures victory over Malaysia

The Philippine women’s team also slayed their opponents with a 2-1 win over host team Malaysia in the UITM Stadium.

Video from Astro Arena

During the added time (45+2′), Team Captain Patrice Impelido clutched header that broke the stalemate in the first half to give Philippines the 1-0 lead. 

However, Dadree Rofinus took advantage of Inna Palacios’ missed attempt to defend the initial strike from the Malaysian team, and fired the equalizer in the 52nd minute.

In the 74th minute, Camille Rodriguez capitalized on the opportunity to shoot from outside the box, which would then give Philippines the advantage once again at 2-1.

On Thursday, August 17, The men’s team will face Indonesia at 8:45 pm while the women’s team will face Vietnam at 4 pm. – Rappler.com