THE Philippines had a dominant opening match at the 31st Southeast Asian Games after a 4-0 beating of Timor-Leste on Friday, May 6, 2022, at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam.
Christian Rontini headed in the opening goal in the 11th minute coming from a cross by veteran midfielder Stephan Schrock.
Schrock once again got involved with scoring play as he passed the ball to Dennis Chung, who chipped the ball over the goalkeeper in the 56th minute.
Jovin Bedic made it 3-0 for the Azkals after scoring in the 78th minute.
Oskari Kekkonen put the nail in the coffin after scoring in the 81st minute coming off a pass by Oliver Bias.
The Philippines takes on defending champion Vietnam on Sunday, May 8.
Vietnam is coming off a 3-0 win over Indonesia. The Philippines is in Group A witn Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar.
Meanwhile, the Philippines Women’s National Team will be kicking off its campaign on Election Day, May 9, against Cambodia.
The Philippines Women’s squad is in Group A with Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia.