Philippines U17 shows grit despite Thailand loss

SURABAYA, Indonesia — The Philippine Under-17 Men’s National Team showed resilience and in-game growth despite a 5-1 loss to regional powerhouse Thailand in its Group B opener of the 2026 ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship on Sunday in Gresik, East Java.

The result came in the Philippines’ first-ever meeting with Thailand at the under-17 level, giving the young Filipino side an early test against one of Southeast Asia’s most established youth programs.

The tournament is being played in Indonesia from April 11–23, 2026, with the Philippines grouped with Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar in Group B.

Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez said the team’s response after a difficult first half offered an encouraging sign for its long-term development.

“Malinaw ang paglago ng koponan sa loob ng laban, mula sa mahirap na simula hanggang sa mas matapang na pag-atake sa ikalawang yugto,” Gutierrez said.

“Ipinakita ng mga bata ang pusong Pilipino na lumalaban hanggang dulo laban sa isa sa pinakamalalakas sa ASEAN.”

“They showed discipline in adjusting to the pace of the match and responded with greater composure and intent after halftime. This experience will be vital in their growth as they continue to compete against the best teams in the region.”

Team captain Leo Garcia said the match felt different from his previous appearances with the national team and underscored how much sharper the team must be against elite regional opponents.

“Being played on the pitch, it was different. I’ve been in the national team for quite a few times, but this wasn’t like the other games,” Garcia said.

“Even though we prepared well, I don’t think we started as what we wanted to according to the game plan, according to ourselves, and most importantly, according to how we envisioned it.”

Thailand took control early behind quick ball movement and clinical finishing.

Worawit Boonthaokaeo opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a strike from 20 yards after a back pass from Phuttichat Sukprasroeth.

Goalkeeper Jaime Sandejas was forced into action soon after, making a save in the 14th minute and producing a double stop in the 22nd to keep the Philippines within reach.

Thailand doubled its lead in the 29th minute when Pattarawee Deebansok broke through on the right flank and finished a one-on-one chance past Johann Wicklein.

The Thais made it 3-0 just before halftime when Thodsadon Promsiridet converted a rebound from a set piece in the 40th minute.

Garcia said the first half fell short of the team’s expectations and matched the coaching staff’s assessment.

“But, just like coach [Joan Segura] said, [in the] first half, we didn’t play that well,” he admitted.

The Philippines came out of the break with more purpose and a more aggressive posture higher up the field.

Christian Trelles tested Thailand early in the second half with an attempt in the 47th minute, signaling a more assertive approach from the Filipinos.

Thailand added two more goals through Sathaporn Phoojomjit in the 62nd minute and an own goal forced by pressure in the 66th minute.

Even so, the score line did not fully reflect the Philippines’ improved second-half performance.

“I’m really proud of the team with how they played despite the result,” Garcia said.

“How we bounce back is how we move forward. I don’t believe that this is the end. Once we hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up.”

The Philippines found a reward for its persistence in the 79th minute when Aarran Long scored from close range off a deep pass from Jordan Villanueva.

The goal highlighted the team’s improved attacking cohesion and its willingness to keep pressing despite the deficit.

Sandejas remained a key figure in defense with saves in the 74th minute, 89th minute, and stoppage time to cap a standout individual performance.

The Philippines also created another late chance in added time when Long’s header narrowly missed after a left-sided cross from newcomer Tomohiro Seki.

For Garcia, the defeat was less a setback than a lesson.

“So the only thing I believe from here on is just we learn from our mistakes, we don’t cry about it, we don’t moan about it. Instead, we focus on the next game, we play our best,” he said.

The Philippine U-17 Men’s National Team will next face Laos on April 15 at 4:30 p.m. Philippine time, or 3:30 p.m. in Surabaya, as it looks to build on its second-half showing. The PFF squad list and match schedule list all three Group B matches in Gresik.

PFF said performances marked by resilience, adaptability, and character are part of the broader push to strengthen Philippine football at the youth level.