MANILA, Philippines – Both of the Philippine national football teams fall to their opponents by the same 3-0 scorelines on Thursday, August 17 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

The men’s team faced 2015 SEAG 4th placer Indonesia, while the women’s team went to head-to-head with 2013 SEAG runner-up Vietnam. 

Men’s Division

Indonesia got on the scoreboard early as team captain Julian Clarino managed to clear the first ball from the men in red, finding Putu Gede with his cross, who in turn set up Septian David for the seventh minute goal.

Seven minutes later, David came close to doubling Indonesia’s lead, but failed to convert Ezra Walian’s cross. 

The midfield saw back-and-forth action from both teams, but Indonesia was dominant in showing that they had the possession with their more controlled ball passing. As the energy of the game was brought into a stalemate, Jarvey Gayoso sent a long range free kick towards Joshua Grommen who made a touch but he crashed onto the woodwork in the 37th minute. Despite the hard slam, Grommen got back up and was able to finish the end of the game. 

As the first half came to a close, Indonesia’s Hargianto connected with David, and fired a through ball to bring Indonesia up 2-nil. 

Two minutes into the second half, Gayoso made a shot off a Daniel Gadia assist but was blocked by an Indonesian defender. Key midfielder Dylan de Bruycker came in for Yoshiharu Koizumi as the Philippines sought to add aggression to their play.

A chance for the Philippines came in the 56th minute when Kou Ichi Belgira fired a free kick that was deflected by Indonesia’s goal keeper Kartika Ajie. Clarino came in with a putback on the second touch, but was called for offsides. That led to Indonesia scoring once more two minutes later as Saddil Ramdani sent a powerful right foot kick from out of the box, nailing the 3-0 lead for the men in red. 

Indonesia continued to create chances for themselves, but the Philippine backline was successful in preventing the Indonesian offense.

The loss, which comes after they upset Cambodia in their tournament opener, puts the Philippines at a 1-1-0 record with a -1 goal difference and the country maintains 3 points in the 29th Southeast Asian Games football tournament. 

Women’s division

SEAG podium finish contenders Vietnam were able to break the deadlock at the 63rd minute, as forward Huỳnh Như dribbled past the Philippine defense and registered a goal to give Vietnam the 1-0 lead. 

The Vietnamese showed more action in the second half with a goal in the 83rd minute to double their lead, and another 3 minutes into injury time as Vietnam’s superior ball connection sealed the victory for them at 3-0. 

The Philippine Women’s team now stands at a 1-1-0 record with a -2 goal difference and also maintains 3 points in the league. – Rappler.com