They tried as hard as they could but in the end, the Philippines were just overpowered by a slick Thailand side as the latter romped to a fabulous 6-2 win in the final to lift the first ever AFF Under-15 Girls’ Championship 2017 here at the KM16 National Stadium.
In the highly anticipated tie between two of the most exciting teams in the competition this year, the game was fairly even at the start as both team took turn to push forward.
But pretty soon, the more experienced Thai side would found the chink in the Philippines armour and they took advantage of it to full effect in the 12th minute when the nimble Ploychompoo Sommonk ran past defender Alessandra Viallon down the left for a shot past keeper Jessica Pido.
However, it did not take too long for the Philippines to get back into the game and in the 17th minute, they drew level when lanky midfielder Myrla Garcia fired in one her trademark long range effort from some 20metres to beat Thai custodian Ponpimon Ngoenphon.
Two quick goals from Ploychompoo (22nd minute) and Trinity Parascandola (30th) – both from the left of the Philippines backline – exposed how fragile Philippines were and it took the team just two minutes to replace Alessandra, who were limping out.
With the score at 3-1 to Thailand’s advantage at the end of the 40 minutes first half, the Philippines came out more determined in the second as they took them just two minutes to pull a goal back through Viviana Cera.
That goal seemed to have revived the Philippines into further action as they attacked from both flanks with the hardworking Alexander Yap on double time in search of the equaliser.
But a 59th minute corner from Ploychompoo saw a fine header from Pattarana Aupachai to give the Thais a 4-2 advantage and rattled the Philippines offensive play.
As the Philippines struggled to get a grip on things, an own goal from Philippines defender Keanne Dedel just two minutes later, put Thailand in firm control.
They then made sure of the title this year with when substitute Janista Jinantuya knocking in the sixth goals right at the end.
In the meantime, Myanmar came in third in the competition when they beat Cambodia 3-1 in the classification match.
Myanmar’s goals were scored by Zin Mar Htwe (28th minute), Su Pyae Paye Kyaw (30th) and Myat Noe Khin (80th) while Cambodia’s only goal came in the 58th minute through Kory Muoykanha.
RESULTS
20 May 2017
(Final) Thailand 6 Philippines 2
(Third & Fourth Placing) Cambodia 1 Myanmar 3
