THE Philippine national men’s football team managed to take control in some of their situations during their game.
And it showed when the Philippine side opened its campaign with a 1-all draw with Myanmar on Thursday evening in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.
National coach Albert Capellas said this before they left the country for their game against Laos this Sunday in Vientiane.
“I always say to the players that every game is different. And there are times that you have to control all the phases of the game. And in some phases, we failed. That is why I’m not satisfied with our game. But I’m still happy with the win,” said Capellas.
Fil-Norwegian booter Bjorn Kristensen, displaying steadiness, sank a penalty shot past goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung in the 71st minute, allowing the Philippines to equalize the count in the remaining time.
Playing in front of the 1,589 fans, the Philippines moved to third spot, behind leaders Vietnam and Indonesia in Group A.
Kristensen’s goal came after the Philippines made four attempts in the first half, in response to Mg Mg Lwin’s free kick in the 26th minute that gave Myanmar a 1-0 lead.
Myanmar wanted to add another one, but Ye Yint Aung’z goal in the 63rd minute was ruled an offside.
The Philippines could have struck with more goals, but attempts by newcomer Javier Mariona in the 81st minute and Paul Tabinas in the 86th minute were slightly off target.
“The first half was good. There were a lot of chances and a lot of situations where we could have scored. We needed to finish with more calmness and use less power. The second half, there were ups and downs but I’m much less happy because the game was open and we gave away even more chances because of us and not because they deserve it,” added Capellas.
Indonesia leads of Group B with four points behind its 1-0 win over Myanmar on Monday and its 3-3 home draw with Laos.
