By Jonas Terrado
Games Tuesday
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
4 p.m. — Thailand vs Indonesia
8 p.m. — Laos vs Singapore
Games Wednesday
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
4 p.m. — Myanmar vs Philippines
8 p.m. — Cambodia vs Timor-Leste
Dennis Chung scored an equalizer in stoppage time to help the Philippines salvage a 1-1 draw against Cambodia to open the country’s men’s football campaign in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Dennis Chung smiles as he talks with the media after the Philippines’ 1-1 draw against Cambodia. (MB Photo | Jonas Terrado)
The 18-year-old scored a low drive past goalkeeper Keo Soksela, allowing the Azkals U-22 team to split a point with the Cambodian side that took the lead on Keo Sokpheng’s opener in the 41st minute.
“It might be the most important goal I ever scored and it’s a pleasure that I scored on my debut. I’m thankful for everything,” said Chung, who is born to a Chinese father and Filipina mother who hails from Camiguin.
The German-based Chung, who replaced starter Dylan de Bruycker, enabled the Azkals put on level terms in Group A with the Cambodians, 2017 runner-up Malaysia and bronze medalist Myanmar.
Malaysia and Myanmar settled for a similar 1-1 draw in the first game.
Vietnam rolled past Brunei 4-0 in the day’s other match at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna for the early lead in Group B.
Both games were held after the past few days were marred multiple problems encountered by participating teams upon their arrival.
In fact, contingency plans for the two Rizal games to be moved to Binan were mulled by organizers with several parts of the stadium still unfinished.
Most of the discussion centered on the infamous media center, which was supposed to be the venue for the squash events.
The condition of the media center certainly left plenty to be desired.
Several local and international media were later taken aback when the post-match press conference of the Malaysia-Myanmar was cancelled, forcing them to interview the coaches and players at the mixed zone area.
A presser was later held at the media center after the Philippines-Cambodia match.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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