PH football squads send strong message to SEA Games foes

Women Football Match Between Malaysia vs Philippines at Stadium UiTM Shah Alam on 15 August 2017. Photo by Faeiz Shah | MASOC

KUALA LUMPUR—From both ends of this city, Philippine football’s goals rang loud and clear.

The men’s and women’s football team scored rousing victories against their respective rivals Tuesday night to begin their Southeast Asian Games stint on a bright note.

Over at UITM Shah Alam Stadium, the women’s team also scored a morale-boosting 2-1 stunner over host Malaysia.

READ: SEA Games: PH team stuns host Malaysia in women’s football

Patrice Impelida scored in injury time of the first half for the Malditas before Malaysian Dadree Rofunos equalized in the 51st.

But the Malditas refused to share a point with their foes and Camille Rodriguez struck the winning goal in the 73rd for the winning goal before a stunned hometown crowd.

The Malditas, who like their men’s counterparts are hoping for a podium finish, will meet Vietnam on Thursday.

The men’s team encountered less resistance.

Football match between Cambodia and Philippines at Selayang Stadium during 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur 2017 on 15 August 2017. Photo by Dzulfadlil Azim / MASOC

“I told them to win the match at 2-0,” said men’s head coach Marlon Maro.

He was that specific. And the team responded accordingly.

Reymart Cubon came away with go-ahead goal off a corner by Javier Gayoso in the 52nd, before Fil-Japanese Kouichi Belgira converted a free kick in the 81st.

READ: SEA Games: PH booters score first win, deny Cambodians ‘bonus’

That win avenged the Nationals’ 1-0 loss during the recent AFC U-23 in Cambodia.

The Philippines men’s side will battle Indonesia on Thursday and that win, according to Maro, would inspire them.

“Indonesia is a tough team but we studied their game and we know how to handle them,” said Maro.