Philippine men’s football team vs Laos in the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Philippine men’s football team now faces an uphill climb in its ambition to reach the semifinals of the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup after a second straight 1-1 tie, this time against Laos Sunday in Vientiane.
Sandro Reyes’ equalizer in the 77th minute enabled the Filipinos to cancel out a big howler by Michael Baldisimo, who had an own goal in the first half, and eventually end up sharing the spoils once more at New Laos National Stadium.
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An apparent second goal by Alex Monis shortly after Reyes’ timely score was disallowed due to an offside and coach Alex Capellas’ side, which also drew Myanmar by the same score at home, now has no other recourse but to win its remaining two matches in Group B.
Up next for the Philippines is a massive home match against tournament contender Vietnam on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium. The two-time winners were facing Indonesia as of posting time in Viet Tri City.
Team Philippines remains outside of the top two spots with Indonesia, the Filipinos’ final group opponent slated Saturday, on top at four points and Vietnam having three prior to their crack affair.
READ: PH football team settles for draw vs Myanmar in Asean Cup
Despite having 81 percent of ball possession, the Philippines found itself behind after Baldisimo’s header, an attempt to clear a free kick, went inside the team’s own net instead that put Laos ahead in the 33rd.
Things looked gloomy for the Filipinos until Reyes cut back at a defender before firing a left-footed shot, a low attempt past Laotian keeper Kop Lokphathip to even things up.
Reyes assisted Monis two minutes later and got the ball past Lokphathip in what looked initially as a 2-1 lead for the Philippines.
But Monis clearly was ahead of the defender when Reyes put the ball past Lokphathip, but the linesman had his flag up and the goal was nullified.
Laos drew for the second straight time to go two points after three games. The home side came off a 3-3 tie away against Indonesia in Surakarta.