Philippines stuns Myanmar in ASEAN U17

GRESIK, Indonesia — The Philippine Men’s National Football Team Under-17 closed its 2026 ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship campaign with a breakthrough result after defeating group leader Myanmar, 2–1, at Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik.

The win marked the Philippines’ first-ever victory over Myanmar at the U17 level.

The result also capped what the Philippine side described as a significant step forward for its youth program.

Statistically, the campaign matched the Philippines’ highest-ever goal tally in ASEAN U17 competition with six goals.

The team also conceded the fewest goals in its tournament history at 10. Its goal difference of negative-4 was likewise its best-ever finish in the competition.

The victory came against a Myanmar side that entered the match unbeaten in Group B.

Myanmar was also coming off a statement victory over 2024 ASEAN U17 runner-up Thailand.

Despite that form, the Philippines delivered a disciplined performance anchored on tighter defending and decisive execution in the closing minutes.

Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez said the result was a landmark for the country’s youth football development.

“This is not only one of the most significant wins at this level for the Philippines, it is also clear evidence that our U17 men’s program is rapidly becoming competitive in ASEAN football. To defeat Myanmar, the group’s top team and a two-time ASEAN champion, reflects the steady growth of our youth development system and the fighting spirit of our players. We are deeply grateful to our U17 squad. You have made the country proud.”

Myanmar seized early control and turned its pressure into a 20th-minute breakthrough.

Nyi Nyi Thant scored from the center of the box after a set-piece delivery from the left wing by Aung Thi Ha.

Myanmar sustained its attacking pressure throughout the match and finished with 20 attempts on goal.

The Philippines, however, showed marked improvement from its earlier matches against Laos and Thailand, particularly in defensive compactness and collective pressing.

The back line limited Myanmar to six shots on target and repeatedly absorbed pressure without losing its structure.

PMNFT U17 head coach Joan Segura said that defensive discipline laid the foundation for the result.

“The first half was a clean sheet in terms of control beyond the goal,” Segura said. “The most important thing is that the opponent doesn’t change the opportunities in our goal. To be a very compact team in defence, the most important thing is to play as a team, especially in defense, and try to create chances to throw counter-attacks.”

Segura said the team’s collective work over the full 90 minutes proved decisive.

“The players for me today, especially in the defensive phase, played very well, coming back during 90 minutes. I’m proud of them, I’m proud of the country, of the players. They deserve it. Every day, during the training session, they work well. I’m very happy for the players,” Segura said.

Trailing at halftime, the Philippines gradually found its footing in the second half.

Joshua Moleje tested Myanmar in the 48th minute with a powerful 20-yard effort that forced a sharp save and signaled a shift in momentum.

The turning point came in the final 10 minutes.

In the 80th minute, Aarran Long curled a 25-yard free kick into the top left corner to level the score at 1–1.

Myanmar responded quickly, with Sai Myat Min forcing a crucial save with a header in the 82nd minute.

But Long struck again in the 85th minute, capitalizing on a pressing attacking run to complete his brace and hand the Philippines a dramatic comeback victory.

Segura said the team entered the match determined to compete and win against Myanmar.

“Our idea was always to compete against Myanmar,” Segura noted. “We have good players, we have a good team. But we want to win this game, of course. The players are competitive, the staff are competitive. Everyone wants to win the game.”

He also said the tournament exposed areas the team still needs to address despite the encouraging finish.

“The progress is against Thailand, scored five goals, against Laos scored four goals. But we need to fix this problem, fix the problem, and more football, everyone working in defense, everyone coming there. This is the solution. Plan, coming there, to be a communicative team. This is the solution.”

For Long, the two-goal performance carried emotional significance beyond the final score.

“Honestly, it’s a great feeling. We all played no matter the circumstance of this match,” Long said.

“We just thought that we gotta play with pride, and we gotta come home with something to bring to the Philippines. Even though we may have not won in the first two games, the third game meant just as much, and we had to come home with pride, and with our heads held up high.”

Long also thanked the supporters who stayed behind the team throughout the campaign.

“A huge thank you for supporting us no matter what. We’ve had so much negative towards us, so many ups and downs, but we know our family and supporters are always there. They bring love to the stadium, and we experience it with them,” he said.

Although the Philippines did not advance, the victory over Myanmar stands out as a defining result for the program. (PFF)