by Kevin Estrada

The Philippines Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) was forced to another 1-1 draw, this time away at Laos on Sunday evening, December 15.

A familiar sight haunted Albert Capellas’ side from their ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AMEC) tournament-opening draw to Myanmar: chances were missed despite having the ball for most of the match, then conceding the opener.

On the other hand, the home side came with a six-goal stalemate to Indonesia in Solo the last time out, having led twice in the first 13 minutes of it.

The same thing happened in Vientiane with the Filipinos having 76% possession, but the Elephants also had their share of their chances as the shot count at full-time were level.

The opening goal came from a source in the 34th minute. Michael Baldisimo was the victim of that unfortunate event, with the defender heading Phoutthavong Sangvilay’s corner into his own net.

But Sandro Reyes then saved the Filipinos’ blushes in the 77th minute, knocking in a left-footed effort past Laos’ substitute keeper Xaysavath Souvanhansok after receiving Paul Tabinas’s cross.

At full-time, PMNFT Coach Albert Capellas expressed disappointment in only getting two points out of the possible six, with both matches being winnable as their semifinal ambitions took another hit.

“We weren’t brave enough to move the ball quicker and to play in between the lines, and for that I’m disappointed because, I know my team can play better,” he said, with two-time champions Vietnam visiting Manila on Wednesday evening, December 18.

LAOS: Lokphatip (GK) (Souvanhnasok (GK) 54’), Sangvilay, Siphongphan, Somsanid, Souvanny (Phanthavong 82’), Lueanthala, Phommasone (Xaypanya 46’) Thongkhamsavanth, Hanthavong, Khambai On (Phommathep 36’), Dalavong (Panyavong 46’)

PHILIPPINES: Deyto (GK), Tabinas, Linares (Rontini 62’), Reyes, Baldisimo (Mariona 61’), Kristensen, Aguinaldo, Monis (Reichelt 82’), Bailey, Kekkonen (Bugas 81’, Kempter (Woods 62’)

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