PH U17 shows progress despite Laos loss

The Philippine under-17 men’s national football team absorbed a narrow 4-3 defeat to Laos in the 2026 ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship on Wednesday at Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik, Indonesia, but the result still offered a measure of encouragement for a squad that showed marked improvement from its last meeting with the same opponent.

In contrast to the Philippines’ 3-0 loss to Laos in the 2024 edition, the young Filipinos this time engaged in an end-to-end contest defined by sharper attacking play, resilience and a willingness to go toe-to-toe with their Southeast Asian rivals. The performance drew praise from Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez, who highlighted what he described as the team’s growing competitiveness and attacking evolution.

“While the result did not go our way, the match underscored the team’s growing competitiveness and attacking evolution. What our boys have shown are indicators of progress in Philippine youth football development,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez said the difference between the two meetings with Laos reflected the gradual gains being made in the country’s youth program, particularly in the way the team now approaches matches with greater confidence and attacking intent.

“This performance shows how far our under-17 men’s team has come, from being dominated just two years ago by Laos to now having more confidence and attacking intent against the same opponent. We are taking a step-by-step progress in our youth development, and this is a sign that our young athletes are beginning to embrace a more proactive, fearless style of football.”

Laos struck first in just the second minute when Phoutphatai Chanthalangsy finished a swift 2v1 counterattack that had been initiated by Odin Siphanit, immediately putting the Philippines on the back foot in a match that quickly developed into a high-paced exchange.

The Filipinos responded with increasing pressure in attack, with Aarran Long and Nathaniel Alberto repeatedly testing Laos goalkeeper Sankham Thavithong as the Philippines began to settle and create openings in the final third.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute, when Joshua Moleje showed composure in controlling a cross from Christian Luis Trelles before slotting home the equalizer to level the contest at 1-1.

The Philippines continued to press and was rewarded again in the 40th minute, when Long outmuscled Palindeth Phettakounh in a one-on-one situation and finished to hand the Filipinos a 2-1 advantage.

Laos, however, restored parity just before the break as Anousith Pradith converted a free kick in stoppage time to make it 2-2 at halftime. The set piece came after Anousith stumbled while dribbling in attack, but his marker, Manu Simpao, was called for an illegal tackle and shown a yellow card.

PMNFT U17 head coach Joan Segura said his side had created enough opportunities in the opening half but paid the price for failing to control Laos in transition.

“The first half we created a lot of chances to win the first half,” Segura said. “I think in attack the team was good, but in defense we did not control the transitions. They have fast players in transitions.”

The second half continued at the same pace, with goalkeeper Jaime Sandejas producing crucial saves early to keep the Philippines in the match as Laos pushed to regain the upper hand.

Laos eventually moved back in front in the 56th minute, with Anousith finishing off a well-worked move from Siphanit to make it 3-2 and force the Philippines to chase the game again.

The young Filipinos refused to back down and found another route back into the contest in the 83rd minute, when Jordan Villanueva calmly converted a penalty after a handball inside the Laos penalty area, leveling the score at 3-3 and setting up a tense finish.

Moleje said the result was disappointing but stressed his pride in the team’s effort and commitment throughout the match.

“For me, I think not everything goes our way—sometimes we lose, sometimes we win,” Moleje said. “About the team, I think I’m very proud of the team. I know we did our best. We gave everything on that field. We put our soul and everything on that pitch.”

Despite the equalizer, Laos delivered the decisive blow in the 90th minute, when Phoutphatai threaded a precise pass to an unmarked Alounsa Silipanya, who fired home from close range to complete the 4-3 win.

Segura said the team now has little choice but to recover quickly and refocus as it prepares for its final match of the tournament.

“We tried to win the match, but it’s football. Until the last minute, we need to play,” Segura said. “Now it’s time to rest and focus on the next game.”

The Philippines, already eliminated from the competition, will try to close its campaign on a positive note when it faces Myanmar in its final group-stage match on April 18 at 4:30 p.m. Philippine time at the same venue. Even in defeat, the seven-goal thriller offered a more hopeful picture of a team that, while still developing, appeared far more willing to compete on even terms against regional opposition.