The Philippine Men’s Under-22 Football Team suffered its first loss in the 2017 South East Asian Games 0-3 against one of the tournament-favorites Indonesia at the Shah Alam Stadium in Shah Alam.
Indonesia just needed seven minutes to break the Philippine defense. An Indonesian ball into the Filipino box was cleared only as far as defender Putu Gede, who then crossed it back. Septian David then beat his marker and masterfully intercepted Gede’s cross to put the ball past a helpless Rey Joyel for first blood.
It was the worst possible start for the Filipinos, and they were forced to stay in their own half as the Indonesians masterfully kept possession of the ball. The Philippines tried to force counterattacks, but Indonesian goalie Kattika Ajie was rarely troubled at his post.
Come first half stoppage time, Indonesia doubled its lead and effectively killed the game off. Some neat passing play allowed the Indonesians to break the Filipinos’ defensive line. Amidst the passing, the Filipino defenders failed to spot Muhammad Hargianto’s run into the Philippine box and the midfielder calmly doubled Indonesia’s cushion by halftime.
To make matters worse, the Philippines had a goal disallowed early in the second half. Kou Ichi Belgira’s free kick hit the Indonesian wall and was turned in by Ian Clarino, only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and the pain worsened shortly after, when Saddil Ramdani unleashed a fantastic long striker against the unsuspecting Filipinos in the 59th minute.
The result left the Philippines in 4th place with three points in Group B.
Another tough game awaits the Filipinos, as they go up against Vietnam, who routed Cambodia 4-1 earlier in the day. That fixture shall be played on August 20, 8:45 PM, at the Shah Alam Stadium.
Philippines XI: Joyel, Jarvis, Koizumi, Bautista, Clarino, Grommen, Belgira, Lapas, Borlongan, Gayoso
Indonesia XI: Ajie, Gede, Dimas, Hargianto, Walian, Fajrin, Ramdani, Roni, Yama, Hehanusa, David
