The Philippines' Sandro Reyes in action against Laos in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, December 15, 2024 at the National Stadium KM16 in Vientiane, Laos. Handout/PFF-PMNFTMANILA -- Sandro Reyes found the back of the net late as the Philippines salvaged a 1-1 draw against Laos in their second game of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, Sunday at the National Stadium KM16 in Vientiane.
It was the second straight draw for the Philippines in Group B, after last Thursday's 1-1 stalemate against Myanmar at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
READ: PH opens Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign with Myanmar draw
An unfortunate own goal by Michael Baldisimo in the 34th minute put Laos ahead, as his header of a Phoutthavong Sangvilay corner kick crossed the line.
The Filipinos ramped up the pressure in search of the equalizer and twice came close before the end of the first half, only to be denied each time by Laos' defense.
It wasn't until the 77th minute that they got their breakthrough, as Reyes deftly controlled a cross from Paul Tabinas and put the ball past the Laos 'keeper.
The Filipinos thought they had won the game late through Alex Monis, but his effort was waved off for offside. A late effort by Javier Mariona was tipped away by the Laos 'keeper as well.
"We didn’t attack well. We were very predictable with so many players behind the ball," lamented PH coach Albert Capellas. "We weren’t brave enough to move the ball quicker and to play in between the lines, and for that I’m disappointed because, I know my team can play better."
Much like they did against Myanmar, the Philippines dominated possession and had more attacks on target, but lacked the finishing touch in the final third.
As it stands, the Philippines has two points on two draws in Group B heading into their match against powerhouse Vietnam on December 18 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.