The Philippine Azkals U19 team absorbed a 1-0 loss at the hands of Thailand in its opening campaign in the 2022 AFF U19 Championship Saturday night, July 2 at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, Indonesia.
Winai Aimoat found the back of the net as early as the 11th-minute mark to give the lone goal of the match and hand Thailand its first win in the tournament.
Azkals, for its part, sustained a 0-1 record.
Andres Aldeguer and Sandro Reyes had their chance to equalize the match at the 47th-minute mark off an inbound pass but Sittha Booniha intervened to kick the ball out.
Cyrelle Saut was also open from the left wing at the 49th-minute mark but goalkeeper Narongsak Naengwongsa secured the ball.
The Philippines just couldn't find its scoring groove against the pesky defense of Thailand but an additional five minutes was given to pump life for the Filipinos.
The Azkals had two last attempts nearing the 94th-minute mark with Karl Absalon igniting the pace but to no avail.
The Filipino booters, led by Southeast Asian Games standouts midfielder Reyes and defender Jaime Rosquillo, are set to face Vietnam next on July 4, Monday.