Philippines doubles up on SEA Games opener

Kyla Inquig on the right. Photo c/o MASOC

The Philippines capped off an generally positive opening day campaign to the 29th Southeast Asian Games with victories on the football field for both its men and women against separate opposition on Tuesday night.

The MP Selayang Stadium served as the venue for the Under-22 Azkals' first SEA Games win in six years with a 2-0 victory over Cambodia.

The Filipinos did not have an easy time in the first half against their opponents, whom they lost to in the AFC Qualifiers, 1-0, weeks earlier. They did manage to keep things goalless in the first half.

It took them fifty minutes to break the deadlock, as a corner kick taken by Jarvey Gayoso found its way towards Reymart Cubon, and the newly-minted Davao Aguilas FC defender headed it through the needle for the opening goal of the match.

The Under-22 Azkals manage to double the lead on the 82nd minute, Roberto Corsame, Jr won a free kick that Kou Ichi Belgira converted from distance.

Cambodia had their chances late to try to pull one back, but RJ Joyel managed to deflect two good attempts on goal, as well relied on luck with one chance hitting the post.

When asked about his thoughts on the game, assistant coach Popoy Clarino said, "We played as a team and we fought for God and for our country. No one gave up." It was something similar that team captain Ian Clarino told the Philippine Football Federation, "We’re more than grateful,” said Clarino. “(The win is) not just for the team, it’s for the country and that speaks a lot."

With the win, it ended a drought of twelve years without having to defeat the Khmers in this tournament.

Here is the highlight footage from earlier.



On the distaff side, the Senior Women's National Team denied hosts Malaysia a chance to secure points on home soil with a 2-1 victory at UiTM Stadium.

Camille Rodriguez made a triumphant return to national team duty with a lob taken from outside the box, putting it out of the reach of the opposing keeper just inside the right post in the 74th minute. It was her second goal in international duty, a stint that had been interrupted for six years.

Team captain Patrice Impelido managed to put the Malditas ahead just before the halftime break, receiving a corner from Pat Tomanon and getting a glancing header onto the back of the net.

Malaysia did manage to find an equalizer, with Dadree Rofinus taking advantage of Inna Palacios being off her line in the 52nd minute.

Head coach Let Dimzon praised the performance of the team to the Philippine Football Federation. She says, "It was good to pick up the threee points against a very difficult host." "The team did well tonight," she adds.

At the same time, Dimzon noted that the girls were either a little bit hesitant to take an attempt or had too much adrenaline, leading to missed opportunities to convert. She admits that the next match will be tougher, which would demand a better game plan.

Here is the highlight footage from earlier:



Up next for our footballers in the SEA Games:

The women face Vietnam at 4pm at the UM Arena, while the men face Indonesia at 845pm at the Shah Alam Stadium.