The Philippine Azkals suffered a 3-2 defeat to Cambodia to kickstart their AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 campaign in disappointing fashion, Tuesday, at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.
With the result, Cambodia has a temporary hold on first place in Group A with three points. On the other hand, the Philippines failed to register a point in its first game of the tourney.
In the first half, the Azkals found themselves at the back foot after they conceded twice within five minutes. The Cambodians initially broke the deadlock thanks to Reung Bunheing’s 15th minute strike while Orn Chanpolin doubled the home side’s lead at the 19th minute.
Hope was not lost, though, for the Azkals just before the halftime break. Kenshiro Daniels was able to pull one back for the Philippines in the 41st minute when he rebounded Arnel Amita’s initial attempt.
Come the second half, the Filipinos were able to maintain their momentum from the last few minutes of the first 45 minutes. Daniels leveled the proceedings with a fine finish in the 55th minute.
Ultimately, that was as good as it got for Josep Ferre’s men as Bunheing would score again in the 59th minute to win the game for Cambodia.
Both teams will return to action on Friday. Cambodia will face Indonesia away at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium at 5:30 PM Manila time. On the other hand, the Philippines will face Brunei at the Rizal Memorial Stadium with kickoff scheduled at 6:00 PM.
Cambodia XI: Soksela (GK), Chanchav, Sambath, Visal ©, Pisoth, Chanpolin, Chanthea, Suhana, Bunheing, Muslim, Baraing.
Philippines XI: Hansen (GK), Lyngbo, Tabinas, Amita, Daniels, Bias, Gallantes, Aguinaldo, Schrock ©, Minegishi, Hartmann.
