PH falters in AFF Under-22 meet

THE Philippines crashed out of the Asean Football Federation ( AFF) Under-22 Championship after losing 0- 3 to Thailand on Tuesday at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The young Azkals conceded two early goals plus another one late in the game.

“The Thais were every bit what we expected them to be. But we tried very hard to match them,” said Troy Limbo in an interview with aseanfootball.org.

The juniors team under coach Andres Gonzales, who only had two weeks of training, exited the tourney with two losses in as many matches.

Gonzales and his wards also lost to powerhouse Vietnam, 1-2, on Sunday. The Filipino booters scored the opening goal courtesy of University of the Philippines standout JB Borlongan but collapsed late in the second half.

In its match against the lone AFF U-22 champion Thailand, the Philippines gave up a third minute goal to Samut Prakan City striker Jaroensak Wonggorn.

The War Elephants doubled the lead just ten minutes later when Jedsakorn Kowngam headed home Kittipong Sansanit’s cross.

Winhoffer had a chance to notch one for the junior Azkals near the hour mark but his free kick only hit the crossbar.

Thai captain and Muangthong United center-back Saringkan Promsupa wrapped up the romp with a close-range strike in the 83rd minute.

The Philippines will try to close its campaign with a win as it takes on fellow eliminated Timor Leste today (Thursday) at 6:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. in Manila).