The Philippines needed a strong second half to overcome a one-goal deficit and beat Laos, 4-1, to revitalize its bid in the Asean Football Championship-Hyundai Cup on Saturday in Vientiane.
Five days after a shocking 1-4 setback to Myanmar at home, the Filipinos stared at another potential disaster when the host Laotians drew first blood on a strike by Damoth Thongkhamsavath off a handling error by keeper Quincy Kammeraad at the seventh minute.
However, this goal became a wake-up call that led to a turnaround, as the charges of Carles Cuadrat answered with a strong comeback.
Pouncing on the advantage in numbers with Laos playing with 10 men following the 14-minute ejection of Phetdavanh Somsanid, the Filipinos' players took turns blasting it home to seal the turnaround and pick up the three points in Group B.
The visitors also gained from Viengxay Sydavong’s own goal at the 52nd minute, which actually put them ahead after the early scare.
Coach Cuadrat expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating that the players were able to reverse the situation and scored quickly after the restart.
The team now faces an acid test on Tuesday when they battle unbeaten Thailand in Capas, Tarlac, in a crucial match that will determine their fate in the championship.
