THE Philippines had mixed results in its opening matches in two different Asean Football Federation (AFF) tournaments in Indonesia.
The Philippines edged out Singapore, 2-1, with a brace by Fidel Tacordon in Group A of the AFF Under-19 Championship last Sunday in the Gelora Delta Stadium in Surabaya.
Tacordon, the UAAP Rookie of the Year, fired in the 19th minute to put the Philippines on top. Singapore, however, equalized with a goal by striker Muhammad Syahadat Masnawi in the 78th minute.
The match looked like it was going to be a draw but Tacordon hit the match-clinching goal four minutes into injury time to give the Philippines the full three points.
The Philippines is at the top of Group A with three points and is just ahead of host Indonesia by goals scored. Indonesia beat Laos, 1-0, while defending champion Thailand setteled to a scoreless draw with Vietnam. The Philippines takes on Vietam today.
Meanwhile, the Philippines bowed to Myanmar, 4-0, in the AFF Women’s Championship at the Jaka Baring Stadium in Palembang.
The Malditas conceded an early goal with Naw Arlo Wer Phaw hitting the back of the net in just the second minute of regulation. Khin Moe Wai added another in the 23rd minute for a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Just four minutes after the break, Myanmar scored again with a goal by Wei Theingi Tun. July Kyaw finished the Philippines off by scoring Myanmar’s fourth goal in the 63rd minute. (EKA)