DOWN TO THE WIRE FOR LAOS, PHILIPPINES AND CAMBODIA

The Philippines coming back from two goals down to hold hosts Laos to a 2-2 draw followed the game in which Timor Leste staged a late revival of sorts to go down 4-2 to Cambodia are all visible signs that the game is on the right track.

Laos coach David Booth, who have had years of experience in the region, could not help but feel for his boys in spite of the fact that certain quarters had questioned his tactical decisions after the match.

“We not set out to lose or draw matches but towards the latter part of the second half, the players were really tired. I did not want them to play defensive not did I instruct my players to be defensive. But that was what happened when they get tired,” added Booth.

“We are still within the chance of making the next round. The only thing left to do is to beat Timor Leste comprehensively.”

With Timor Leste already out of contention where assistant coach Alberto Ribeiro pointed out that the only left to play for is pride and te love for the flag, the real focus tomorrow would be on the Philippines-Cambodia game.

Philippines just need a draw while for Cambodia; they have to come out for an outright win.

“Whatever is the situation, I will not believe that we have made it to the next round until I’m actually on the flight to the final round. We played our hearts out against the hosts and we will be doing the same against Cambodia,” said Philippines coach Simon McMenemy.

“It will be another tough game and the team would do well not to approach it the same way they did against Laos. We have to learn that.”

For Cambodia, their 4-2 win over Timor following their scoreless draw against the hosts, have made their progress to the next round a little precarious.

“It is all up to us. We need to raise the level of our game and win the points. We can ill afford to just play out for a draw,” added Lee Tae Hon, the chief coach of Cambodia.

“I still believe in the players and they are very capable of winning against the Philippines. With the right approach and discipline, we can do it.”

REMAINING FIXTURES

Oct 26: Philippines vs Cambodia (1600hrs) / Laos vs Timor Leste (1830hrs)