MANILA, Philippines – The country’s chase for a berth in the top-tier ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup was threatened after the Philippines lost 2-1 to Laos in the tournament qualifiers Wednesday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Surprising Brunei, Cambodia and the Nationals were tied with four points apiece but the Filipinos ranked third because of an inferior goal differential.
Laos is at fourth place.
The Philippines actually converted the match’s first goal courtesy of a header by Ian Araneta (32nd) off a free kick from Chris Greatwich.
But Laos tied the match on a penalty kick by Phayvanh Louanglath off a tackle by RP defender Floriano Pasilan at the 56th.
The Laotians went ahead after Visay Phapvounin converted off a cross from Kaysone Soukhavong.
“Laos played much better. And they deserve to win," RP head coach Juan Cutillas said. “Playing in the afternoon was difficult. I believe that Laos had the better advantage on the day."
To qualify for the ASEAN Cup finals, the Philippines needs to beat Cambodia Thursday and hope that Laos drops its remaining to assignments, including one against cellar-dweller Timor Leste. – GMANews.TV
Laos football team is in the fourth place in Southeast Asian?
Laos ranks 7 among South East Asian Teams after Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia... our team far behind the Asian standard due to Physic, Money and discipline....
