MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines absorbed a sorry 0-1 setback to Cambodia to crash out of the semis race in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 at National Sports Complex in Vientiane, Laos.
An unlucky slip-up by keeper Michael Cangco Agong at the 40th minute spoiled what was otherwise a solid stint in front of the goal, leading to the marginal goal that doomed Phl’s Last-4 aspirations.
The Pinoy booters remained with three points after three games, now out of reach of unbeaten Thailand (nine points), Cambodia (seven points) and host Laos (four points) with a game left in their Group B assignments.
Thailand already clinched the first semis seat in the group while the Cambodians and the Laotians are left to dispute the remainng berth.
Matthew Custodio nearly broke the ice for the Filipinos when he extricated from the defense but failed to hit the mark.
Agong stopped two shots by Cambodia before disaster struck five minutes before the break. He went down to collect the ball off a shot by Chreng Polroth but it bounced off him and into the net.
The Philippines had its chances to equalize but Kenneth Dizon’s attempt hit the post.
The Philippines wraps up its elims showing against Laos.