SEA Games: PH water polo squad in must-win tiff with Thailand

The Philippines men’s water polo team vs Indonesia during the elimination round of the Water Polo event during the 30th SEA Games held at the Aquatic Center at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on Tuesday night. (CDC-CD Photo)

NEW CLARK CITY— The Philippine men’s team will face lightly-regarded Thailand in a must-win match Thursday in the 30th Southeast Asian Games water polo.

After forging a 6-6 draw against powerful Indonesia late Tuesday, the Filipinos will have to score a win to improve on their chances of advancing to the medal round.

But head coach Rey Galang is aware that the supposed “non-contender” tag Thailand has is just a ploy, most especially after the Thais crushed Malaysia, 19-5, in the opener.

“We can’t take chances, for sure we will go all out and score a win no matter what they come up with,” said Galang.

The Philippine women’s squad started off on the wrong foot after bowing to 2017 silver winner Singapore, 18-9, Wednesday.

“We have to sustain our momentum and improve on our weakness which is scoring goals,” added Galang. “But overall we had a good start. We will not let up.”