Dov Cariño the hero as Azkals U-22 break Cambodian hearts anew

The Philippines U-22 men's football team held hosts Cambodia to a 1-1 draw, thanks to a 92nd minute equalizer from Ateneo and ADT standout Dov Cariño, in Group A of the men's football tournament at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia this Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

PHOTO CREDITS: VTC TIN MỚI (LIVESTREAM)

The Angkor Warriors started strong, pushing the Azkals' defense and midfield lines deep.

But the Azkals U-22 eventually got some control, and created chances of their own. Pocholo Bugas was key in the first half, creating for Jacob Peña in the 7th minute, but the shot was from a tight angle. Bugas has been vital on counters too, coming close in the 13th minute, and leading the break himself after 18 minutes.

The Cambodian front line of Sieng Chanthea, Lim Pisoth, and Ky Rina have been dangerous for much of the half, Chanthea coming close to scoring first after 19 minutes.

They finally converted in the 31st minute, with Ky Rina receiving a lay-off from Sieng Chanthea, and scoring from outside the penalty area past the outstretched arms of Quincy Kammeraad.

The Cambodian trio continued to pepper Kammeraad's goal with long shots on the counter-attack. Meanwhile, the Azkals controlled the wide areas, with Yrick Gallantes and Bugas creating from wide, but Andres Aldeguer has had a few chances come close.

The early part of the second half saw back and forth action from both sides.

Cambodia almost doubled their lead in the 63rd minute, but substitute Sor Rotana's header from wingback Phat Sokha's cross sailed over the Philippines' goal.

Pocholo Bugas came close again on a few occasions, first after 77 minutes, and again in the 82nd minute.

For the Angkor Warriors, Sor Rotana has been a significant threat, pouncing on a loose ball with a long shot in the 79th minute, then turning creator in the 83rd for Phat Sokha, whose shot was blocked by David Setters.

But like in the 2019 edition of the SEA Games in Manila, the Azkals U-22 hit Cambodia with another late equalizer. Substitute Dov Cariño rose high to head home a Harry Nuñez free kick in the 92nd minute to equalize, 1-1.

The results sees the Azkals U-22 at 4th in Group A with 1 point, while Cambodia temporarily take top spot with 4 points. The Philippines will have to get good results against both Timor-Leste and Myanmar on May 4 and May 10, respectively, while hoping for other favorable results to have a chance of advancing from the group stages.