MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s football team rallied with four second-half goals to beat Laos, 4-1, on Saturday in Vientiane and secure its first victory in the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup.
The Philippines fell behind in the seventh minute when Damoth Thongkhamsavath’s long-range strike slipped past goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad.
Laos was reduced to 10 men in the 14th minute after Phetdavanh Somsanid received a red card, giving the Philippines a numerical advantage.
The Filipinos capitalized after halftime, with John Lucero scoring the equalizer shortly after the restart.
Viengxay Sydavong then put the Philippines ahead with an own goal before Jarvey Gayoso converted a penalty to make it 3-1. Veteran Daisuke Sato completed the comeback with a late header.
The victory gave coach Carles Cuadrat’s side its first three points in Group B after a 4-1 loss to Myanmar in its tournament opener.
Cuadrat credited the team’s halftime adjustments and said Laos’ numerical disadvantage gave the Philippines more space to attack.
The Philippines will next face Thailand on Tuesday in Capas, Tarlac, before traveling to Kuala Lumpur to play Malaysia on Aug. 8.
The two matches will determine the Philippines’ chances of advancing to the semifinals for the second consecutive edition of the regional tournament. The top two teams from Group B will advance to the knockout stage.
