In a challenging opening match of the 2024 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship, the Philippine Under-16 Men’s National Football Team faced defeat against Laos, with a final score of 0-3 on Friday at Manahan Stadium, located in Surakarta, Indonesia. The match showcased the skills of the Philippine team’s offensive players, particularly Edvard Omitade, while goalkeeper Enrique Sunico exhibited remarkable reflexes early in the game.
Sunico, representing La Salle Greenhills, executed three critical saves against set pieces from Laos during the initial phases of the match. In a significant moment during the 30th minute, Omitade’s attempt at goal narrowly missed the target as the ball was deflected away by defender Ki Mounkanyah, preventing an early score for the Philippines. This key defensive play shifted the momentum of the match in favor of the Laotian team.
Laos capitalized on this momentum when Daophahad Kamkasomphou struck the first goal in the 39th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Kadam Koneyer, who demonstrated impressive physical strength to evade defenders Jimm Fabela and Michael Maniti before setting up the scoring opportunity.
The Philippines sought to equalize before halftime, yet Omitade’s header from a right corner kick was successfully saved by Thitsakhone Sumilvongvath, maintaining Laos’s lead as the teams headed into the break.
The second half witnessed Laos extend their advantage with Sikanda Xaisongkham scoring in the 50th minute, following an assist from Ki. Despite multiple attempts on goal from Philippine players including Maniti, Tobias Paulino, and Omitade, the team struggled to find their rhythm, as exemplified by Omitade’s unfortunate strike hitting the crossbar in the 77th minute.
The match concluded with substitute striker Vongdeuan Soulinbanh sealing the victory for Laos with a goal in the 90+10th minute of play.
Looking forward, the Philippine team will have the opportunity to regroup and prepare as they face the host squad, Indonesia, on Monday, June 24, at 8:30 PM (Philippine time), also at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta.
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