The Philippines finished up its campaign in the AFF U-23 Championship on a high note with a 2-1 victory over Brunei on Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Prince Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Dennis Chung and Sandro Reyes accounted for the two goals which came in the second half as the Young Azkals claimed their only victory in the competition after holding Timor-Leste to a 2-2 draw and losing 1-0 to Cambodia.
Coach Stewart Hall’s side finished third in Group A with four points, not enough to secure a semifinals berth.
Timor-Leste emerged as group winners after a 1-0 victory over Cambodia to claim a historic semifinal berth for a country that has put its focus on building a competitive U-23 side.
Chances of sneaking a semis slot came to an end the previous day when Vietnam battered Singapore, 7-0, in Group B.
Chung and Reyes scored in the 48th and 58th minutes after the two sides couldn’t break the ice in the first half.
A botched save by Brunei keeper Abdul Mutalip Muhammad led to a scramble before Chung bundled it in with a left-footed shot to put the Philippines in front.
Reyes doubled the lead with a low attempt from the edge of the box which was set up by a pass from Lance Ocampo from the right flank and a flick from Andres Aldeguer.
Brunei pulled once when Muhammad Yazid Said scored seconds after Reyes’ goal, but the scoreline would stand until the final whistle.