IN another frustrating result, the Philippines came from behind to muster another 1-1 standoff for the second straight game late Tuesday night against Laos in a key AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup Group B match in the Laotian capital of Vientiane.
Eyeing an all-important win to get back on track, the Filipino footballers started on the wrong foot with midfielder Michael Baldisimo heading an own goal in the 34th minute in an attempt to clear the ball off a right corner kick by Laos.
It took another late marker to save the day for the Filipinos courtesy of striker Sandro Reyes, who saw a sliver of light through three defenders to deliver a slick 15-yard roller with his left foot that slipped through and hit the left bottom corner of the net for the equalizer in the 77th minute.
Alex Monis struck late in the game but his potential winning marker was ruled offside.
The second straight stalemate after last week’s 1-all outcome with Myanmar in Manila left the charges of Spanish coach Albert Capellas perched precariously in third place with two points.
The top two squads at the end of the home-and-away, single-round series advance to the crossover semifinals of South East Asia’s premier football showcase for men.
The Philippines faces a must-win situation against Vietnam, which nipped Indonesia 1-0 in the other Group B match at the Viet Tri Stadium in the Vietnamese province of PhuTho to remain on top with six points with its second triumph in a row.
The Indons were running second with four points with one win, one loss and one draw, Laos had the same number of points as the Philippines but were in fourth due to goal difference while Myanmar was in the cellar with a point with one draw and a loss.
“We didn’t attack well. We were very predictable with so many players behind the ball. We weren’t brave enough to move the ball quicker and to play assessment,” said Capellas at the post-match press conference.
“I am disappointed because I know my team can play better,” the Spanish tactician stressed. “Today was a step backward but we need to move forward.”
Just like their previous match, the Pinoy footballers were dominant and had control of the game most of the time, with five of their shots on target compared to two by their foes and completing 632 passes compared to 199 for the hosts.
