PH men’s football team ends Merdeka Cup run optimistic about future

MANILA, Philippines – Members of the Philippine men’s national football team see a bright future ahead of the squad after a valiant end to their first tournament since the surprise departure of former head coach Tom Saintfiet.

The Philippines fell short of a podium finish in the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia as it lost to Tajikistan on penalties, 4-3, in the battle for third place on Sunday, September 8.

Scoring chances were aplenty for the world No. 147 Filipinos, who gave Tajikistan — a team ranked 44 spots higher — a run for its money in 90 minutes of regulation that concluded with a 0-0 draw.

“It feels like a success even though we lost in the penalties. There’s a lot of improvement in the way we press and the way we played. There’s a lot of positives to take from this game and to bring to future camps,” said veteran Patrick Reichelt.

“It’s a clean sheet. It’s a 0-0. Now we have to get more clinical in front of goal and I think we’ll be more successful.”

The team is in transition following the exit of Belgian coach Saintfiet, who vacated his post in August just six months into the job to join African team Mali.

With the Merdeka Cup around the corner, the Philippine Football Federation handed Norman Fegidero the coaching reins on an interim basis.

Despite the sudden coaching switch, the Philippines kept in step with Asian Cup quarterfinalist Tajikistan, with Bjorn Kristensen, Sandro Reyes, and Dylan Demuynck keeping the opposing goalkeeper on his toes.

JB Borlongan nearly won it for the Philippines but his shot got saved with a minute left in regulation.

“This is the future of the Philippines. We want to play and I think we showed what we could do,” said Filipino goalkeeper Kevin Mendoza.

“We played with a lot of possession and I think we dominated the game and also had the most chances. So I think we deserved to win, but that’s football sometimes.”

Uriel Dalapo shared the same sentiments as Mendoza.

“We deserved the win, honestly. I think we were the better team there even though they were much higher-ranked than us. All I can say is the Philippines will go up in the near future,” said Dalapo.

Up next for the Philippines is the King’s Cup in Thailand in October. – Rappler.com