PH bows to Vietnam in AFF U22

THE Phili Philippine i men’s ’ Under- d 22 national football team fell short against powerhouse Vietnam, 1- 2, in the 2019 Asean Football Federation ( AFF) U- 22 Championship on Sunday at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The junior Azkals netted the opening goal but failed to protect their lead against the young Golden Dragons’ relentless attack.

With the narrow defeat, the Andres Gonzales- coached Philippines skidded to the third spot in the four-nation Group A that also has Thailand and Timor Leste.

Only the top two teams from the two groups will advance to the knockout round.

After San Beda University goalkeeper Michael Asong’s superb saves kept a scoreless deadlock at the half, Ceres Negros midfielder Dylan l De Bruycker drew a foul from Vietnam’s defense for a free kick just inches outside the box.

University of the Philippines midfielder Jeremiah Borlongan took the free kick and delivered a sharp curler over the Vietnamese keeper for the lead in the 51st minute.

The Golden Dragons, however, equalized as Danh Tran Trung fired a low shot past Asong in the 74th.

Le Minh Binh scored off a corner set piece to hand Vietnam the advantage just four minutes later.

With the time winding down, the young Azkals had a last chance to equalize but the opposing goalie caught their final corner kick.

The Philippines looks to bounce back against another Southeast Asian heavyweight in Thailand today ( Tuesday) at 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. in Manila).