Timor Leste shockingly defeated Philippines

Timor Leste shocked the Philippines by defeating them 3-0 in the second round of Group A of the 32nd SEA Games, thereby quenching their thirst for victory in men's football since the 2017 tournament in Malaysia.

* Goals: Mouzinho 15', Luis Figo 54', Elias Mesquita 89'

In the 15th minute, Timor Leste coordinated neatly, before Jhon Firth passed the ball conveniently for Mouzinho to delicately chip the ball past the Philippine goalkeeper to open the score. Not only taking the lead, Timor Leste also continued to enjoy the advantage in terms of numbers from the 27th minute. Denis Chung tackled Joao Halle's ankle, and received a second yellow card, which became an indirect red card.

With more players, Timor Leste pressured the Philippines and created many scoring opportunities. In the 43rd minute, Zenivio dribbled skillfully on the left wing and shot from a tight angle, forcing goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad to use his foot to block. Then, Olagar shot from about 28m and hit the crossbar.

Joao Firth (No. 6) scored two assists to help U22 Timor Leste defeat U22 Philippines 3-0. Photo: Hieu Luong

In the second half, Mouzinho tested Kammeraad's skills in the 49th minute with a powerful shot from the right corner. Mouzinho then crossed for Kornelis to finish in front of an empty goal, but the Philippine defender quickly got back to block it. However, Timor Leste did not have to regret for long, because right after that, Jhon Firth completed his double through ball, only this time the scorer was Luis Figo.

Timor Leste had more chances, but it wasn't until the 89th minute that they scored their third goal. Zenivio dribbled hard down the left wing and passed back to Elias Mesquita, who scored with one touch to seal a 3-0 victory over the Philippines.

Main events of the match Timor Leste 3-0 Philippines.

The last time Timor Leste won a men's football match at the SEA Games was in 2017 in the group stage, when they defeated Cambodia 1-0 on August 22. Since their first competition at the 2009 SEA Games, this was only Timor Leste's sixth victory in 34 matches.

The big win over the Philippines also helped Timor Leste to third place in Group A with three points, equal to Myanmar but with a better goal difference. Previously, the team lost to hosts Cambodia 0-4 and Myanmar 0-1. Timor Leste must beat Indonesia in the fourth match on May 7 to have a chance to advance to the semi-finals.

Starting lineup:

U22 Philippines: Quincy Kammeraad, Santiago Rublico, Dennis Chung, Justin Frias, Yrick Gallantes, Gavin Muens, Noah Leddel, Pocholo Bugas, Matt Ocampo, Harry Nunez, David Setters

U22 Timor Leste: Georgino Mendonca, Orcelio, Anizo Correia, Cristevao, Jhon Firth, Mouzinho, Zenivio, Kornelis, Olagar, Joao Halle, Luis Figo.

Hieu Luong (from Phnom Penh)

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