THE Philippines suffered back-to-back defeats in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) U-19 Championship after conceding late goals to host Indonesia, 4-1, in the Group A match at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Surabaya, Indonesia the other day.

The Philippines was up 1-0 in the first half after a Chester Pabualan hit a 33rd minute goal from the right side of the box.

Cebuano goalkeeper Jessie Semblante did a spectacular job at keeping the Indonesians at bay.

However, Saddil Ramdani finally hit the equalizer in the 82nd minute that woke up the Indonesians, who were playing in front of over 16,000 fans. Firza Andika put Indonesia up, 2-1, with a goal a minute later.

Ramdani scored a brace in the 86th minute, before Todd Ferre placed the icing on the cake in the 90th minute.

Thailand crushed Singapore, 6-0, while Vietnam beat Laos, 4-1, in the other Group A matches.

Indonesia remained at the top of Group A with nine points. Thailand is second with seven points and just up ahead of Vietnam on goal difference. The Philippines dropped to fourth with three points. The Philippines plays against Thailand today before ending the group phase against Laos on Sunday.

The Philippines is on the brink of elimination depending on how Thailand and Vietnam does in their last two remaining matches. Only the top two teams move on to the semifinal round. (EKA)