Jarvey Gayoso and Andre Leipold stole the show as the Philippine Men’s National Football Team opened its PFF Tri-Nations Friendlies campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Guam, 5-1, on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila before 2,243 fans.
Playing at the Philippine Sports Commission-operated venue for the first time since its 2-1 victory over Thailand in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup on December 27, 2024, Gayoso and Leipold spearheaded the team formerly known as the Azkals to a commanding win over the Matao.
Gayoso struck the Philippines’ second goal in the 18th minute, pouncing on a rebound from close range after Guam goalkeeper Josiah Jones denied his initial header.
The goal was the Ateneo de Manila University standout’s fifth in 29 appearances for the national team.
The two-time UAAP gold medalist later turned provider, setting up Leipold for his maiden international goal in the 63rd minute.
Leipold then completed his brace deep into stoppage time with a powerful finish to put the exclamation point on the victory.
Before the Gayoso-Leipold connection took center stage, Filipino-American midfielder Cole Mrokaw made an immediate impact in his international debut, opening the scoring just six minutes into the match.
The Philippines dominated the opening half and carried a comfortable cushion into the break.
Santi Rublico added the nationals’ third goal in the 44th minute, calmly beating Jones to further extend the lead.
Guam, however, avoided a shutout as Levi Berg capitalized on a mistake by Philippine goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad to score a consolation goal in the 61st minute.
“Well, you know, it’s a completely different scenario because we have to prepare for the Hyundai Cup,” said coach Carlos Cuadrat. “Some of the players who come to us every FIFA window are not able to come in July–August because there is no official FIFA window. If the clubs don’t allow them to come, then it’s not possible for us to take care of them.
He added, “We have to try new faces, new players, and I am happy with what I saw because there is some talent we can take advantage of in the future.”
Both teams will next face Myanmar at the same venue with a 7:30 PM kickoff.
Guam takes on Myanmar this Saturday, while the Philippines will square off against the visitors on Tuesday.
Philippines XI: Kammeraad (GK), Tabinas, Rublico, Reyes, Gayoso, Rosquillo, Kekkonen, Mrowka, Bugas, Woods, Sato (C).
Guam XI: Jones (GK), Baker, McKenna, Taitague, Berg, Cunliffe (C), Norton, Castro, Sablan, Ochoa, Halehale.
