Amid preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team suffered a 3-1 defeat to 158th-ranked Hong Kong on Thursday night at the Hong Kong Stadium.
Chinese Super League forward Matt Orr scored a brace, netting goals in the 45th and 90+5 minutes to hand Albert Capellas’ side its third loss in five international matches.
“I think everyone can see that we’ve improved a lot,” said Orr. “The team atmosphere and chemistry in the team are very good.”
Brazilian-born Everton Camargo, who received a Hong Kong passport in August 2023, added the home side’s third goal in the 83rd minute to seal the victory for The Dragons.
Before conceding twice late in the match, Bjorn Martin Kristensen capitalized on Jefferson Tabinas’ long pass and finished well in the 48th minute to level the score for the Filipinos.
This marked the first meeting between the two teams since June 4, 2013, when James Younghusband scored the winning goal in the Azkals’ 1-0 victory.
Unless new developments occur, this will be the Philippines’ only friendly before next month’s regional competition, as the planned November 19 home match against Sri Lanka was abruptly canceled.
The Philippines will open their Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign against Myanmar on December 12.
