MANILA – Dennis Chung came up with a stoppage time goal as the Philippines U-22 Azkals settled for a 1-1 draw with Cambodia at the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games men’s football at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The Filipino-German midfielder was at the right place at the right time. He converted a cross from Yrick Gallantes from just inside the box at the 93rd minute to negate the first half conversion from Keo Sokhpeng.
“He’s done his job. He did great. He scored the goal nice,” said Azkals coach Goran Milesovic on the 18-year-old Chung. “We played very well. In my opinion, we’re close to win the match against a very competitive team.”
The Cambodians opened the scoring on Monday night with Sekphong eluding the defense of Azkals goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus inside the box in the 41st minute.
The Philippines had opportunities to tie
but unable to penetrate the Cambodian defense.
However, that changed in the injury time with Stephan Schrock starting the play
that led to Gallantes’ cross to goal scorer Chung.
Cambodia had its last opportunity from a corner but it was saved by Pinthus.
“To be honest, last time the team was losing easily to Cambodia but today we are proud because we are much better than them,” said Milesovic.
The Philippines U-22 Azkals continues its SEA Games campaign against Myanmar this afternoon at the same venue followed by Malaysia on the 29th and Timor Leste on Dec. 4 at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna./PN
