
The Philippines conceded a late goal to suffer a 1-0 defeat to Timor-Leste Sunday, Oct. 31 and finish dead last in Group H of the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
The Young Azkals were minutes away from settling for a scoreless draw in their final match in the qualifiers when Zenivio Mota produced the winner in the 89th minute, giving Timor-Leste the full three points.
Coach Scott Cooper’s side finished its campaign without a point after losing all three matches in the Lion City.
It was another frustrating setback for the Philippines, which also had chances to salvage a point in their previous matches against South Korea and host Singapore.
But the Azkals U-23s also didn’t score a goal throughout the campaign in the Lion City which added to their struggles.
The Filipinos lost 3-0 to South Korea last Oct. 25 but not after holding the defending U-23 Asian Cup titleholders scoreless in the first half.
A missed penalty by Oliver Bias and a conceded goal early in the second half handed the Young Azkals a 1-0 loss to the Singaporeans three days later.