Vientiane: Laos will look to build on their impressive draw with Indonesia in Group B of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 when they take on Philippines at National Stadium KM16 on Sunday.
Having lost their opening game 4-1 against Vietnam, Laos picked up one of their best results ever in the ASEAN Championship when they drew 3-3 against Indonesia in Surakarta on Thursday.
First-half goals from Phousomboun Panyavong and Phatana Phommatep saw Laos twice take the lead before the sides went in level at the break. Despite going down to 10 men, the Indonesians made it 3-2, but substitute Peeter Phanthavong levelled 12 minutes from time to claim a historic point.
Having played both Vietnam and Indonesia and come out of those games with a point, Laos will now aim to build on the positive draw in Surakarta as they target a first win in the ASEAN Championship since they beat Cambodia 20 years ago.
And having drawn with heavyweights Thailand in a friendly prior to the tournament, head coach Ha Hyeok-jun may well be confident that his team can pick up all three points at home to the Philippines.
Meanwhile, four-time semi-finalists Philippines began their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Myanmar at Rizal Memorial Stadium on Thursday.
Albert Capellas’ side had numerous chances to open the scoring in the first half but went into half-time a goal down. A similar pattern ensued after the interval, with the Philippines eventually equalising and securing a point thanks to Bjorn Kristensen’s 72nd-minute penalty.
Despite the draw in Manila, the Philippines will know that if they can pick up all three points in Vientiane, they would be in a strong position after two games – as they would open up a three-point lead over Laos and Myanmar with two games left to play.
The last time the two sides faced off in the ASEAN Championship was in 2014 when the Philippines won 4-1 en route to the semi-finals.
Indeed, the Philippines have won the past four meetings in all competitions, although Laos have twice beaten the Philippines in ASEAN Championship qualification, for the 2007 and 2008 editions.
Laos vs Philippines
Venue: National Stadium KM16, Vientiane
Kick-off: 15 December, 5:30 PM (Local Time)
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