The national U-23 team’s bid to reach the semifinals of the 31st Southeast Asian Games suffered a setback after a 3-2 defeat against Myanmar Tuesday, May 10 at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam.
Two goals conceded in the second half led to the Azkals U-23’s first defeat in Group A following a 4-0 win over Timor-Leste and a scoreless draw that stunned defending champion and host Vietnam.
With still four points, the Philippines needs to beat Indonesia on Thursday to keep its semifinal hopes alive in Group A.
Myanmar jumped to the top of the table with six points on two victories in as many matches while Vietnam, which didn’t see action Tuesday, is also at four points but ahead on goals allowed.
Coach Norman Fegidero’s squad fell behind as early as two minutes after the opening whistle on a goal by Win Naing Tun.
But Jovin Bedic scored on a header in the 34th to even things out before converting from the spot four minutes later to put the Azkals U-23 ahead at 2-1.
The Philippines, however, couldn’t sustain its lead after the restart as Lwin Moe Aung tied the count in the 51st before Soe Moe Kyaw produced the eventual winner three minutes later.