Newlywed Jarvey Gayoso’s goal seemed destined to secure a crucial victory, but the Philippine Men’s National Team suffered a heartbreaking setback, settling for a 1-1 draw against Vietnam in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Gayoso, who substituted striker Bjorn Kristensen in the 65th minute, made an immediate impact with a clinical left-footed finish in the 69th minute. His goal handed Albert Capellas’ side a precious one-goal lead, igniting hope among the 3,346 fans in attendance.
However, just as victory seemed within reach, the Filipinos failed to clear their lines in stoppage time, allowing Ngoc Tan Doan to equalize with a header and salvage a point for the Golden Star Warriors.
The result marked a bitter ending for the Philippines, which came agonizingly close to securing its first win over Vietnam in 12 years. The last triumph occurred on November 27, 2012, when Chieffy Caligdong’s late heroics sealed a memorable 1-0 victory during that year’s tournament in Bangkok.
“I’m very sad for the players because I think in the (past) three games, we deserved more every game,” said coach Albert Capellas. “I’m very sad for them because I know how they train. I know how much fight (they have) for the national team. I know how much they wanted this win that I think we deserve it. Of course, it was a very poor game but we could handle it but in the end, it could not be possible.”
The last-minute equalizer saw the Philippines drop to fourth place in Group B after recording its third consecutive draw. Meanwhile, Vietnam solidified its hold on first place, moving closer to a semifinal berth with seven points.
Earlier in the day, Myanmar claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Laos in Yangon, thanks to a late brace from Win Naing Tun and an opening goal from Lwin Moe Aung. Myanmar’s win boosted its tally to four points, keeping its knockout hopes alive. In contrast, Laos, with only two points, was eliminated from contention.
Both the Philippines and Vietnam will return to action this Saturday at 9 p.m. The Philippines faces Indonesia in Surakarta, while Vietnam hosts Myanmar in Viet Tri.
For the Philippines to advance to the next round for the first time since 2018, they must defeat Indonesia and hope Vietnam beats Myanmar.
“We arrive in the last journey with possibilities to win, ” said Capellas. “I really think if they fight like they did today and if we create the chances that we had in the other games, I think we have a chance to win that game.”
Philippines XI: Deyto (GK), Kempter (C), Ugelvik, Tabinas, Linares, Reyes, Baldismo, Kristensen, Monis, Bailey, Mariona.
Vietnam XI: F Nguyen (GK), Duy Manh Do (C), T B Nguyen, Ngoc Quang Chau, Vi Hao Bui, Van Thanh Vu, Thanh Binh Dinh, Q H Nguyen, Viet Ahn Bui Hoang, Ngoc Tan Doan, Van Khang Khuat.
