A brace from who else but Pe drove Laos to the final of the AFF Under-15 Girls Championship 2019 when they beat the Philippines 3-1 in the second semi-final this evening at the Institute of Physical Education Stadium.
With Thailand having booked their place in the ultimate stage of the tournament after having beaten Vietnam by a solitary goal, there were eager anticipation as to who will make the cut to face them the home team.
“Naturally, we are satisfied with the results but there were still some mistakes from all positions and that is something which we need to rectify before taking on Thailand in the final,” said Laos head coach Phonethip Sengmany afterwards.
But any thoughts of the Philippines making the grade to book their second final in three years, quickly evaporated when Pe came charging down the left flank to beat two defenders before unleashing a shot from a tight angle.
Just three minutes later, a bouncing shot from Vilayphone Phengsana almost caught out Philippines keeper Maria Evangelista but for the crossbar that prevented Laos second goal.
But it was just a matter of time and when Pe was not scoring goals, she was giving the assists where a freekick on 22 minute came off Evangelista for Thippakone Syvonglath to smash in the rebound.
Under pressure and with their place in the final slipping away, the Philippines came out with all guns blazing into the second half.
But it was Laos who went on to find the back of the net with Pe grabbing her second of the evening and her 12th in the campaign this year.
Comfortably in front, Laos head coach Phonethip Sengmany made several substitutions on a trot .
And this allowed the Philippines more possession and also the chance to go forward and in the 59th minute, they finally found the back of the net with Angely Alterez heading off the cross from deep.
However for all their enthusiasm at getting behind the Laos defence, they just could not add to the score line as the clock went trickled down all the way to the end.
RESULTS – SEMI FINALS
Vietnam 0 Thailand 1
Laos 3 Philippines 1
