Pinay strikers bow to Thais, take 2nd

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines failed to cap its Cinderella run in the AFC Girls Under-14 Championship for the Asean region as it bowed to Thailand, 1-2, to settle for runner-up honors Sunday night at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Ranged against a rugged and fast Thailand side, the Phl girls conceded two goals in the first half, to Ratchaphan Kitirat (11th minute) and Dassama Laochaem (31’), and failed to overcome the deficit when they unleashed a spirited fightback in the second half.

Arantxa Trebol of Cebu scored for Phl in the 51st minute as the gutsy Pinays consoled themselves with being the only opponent to punch in a goal against the Thais all tournament long.

Despite the loss, the Phl girls would still go home as “winners” from this historic campaign. Fourth placers last year, the Filipinas were recognized as the most improved team of the tournament and were also feted with the Fair Play award for showing the “greatest respect for the game.”

Joyce Demacio also won the Most Valuable Player plum for her “excellent attacking and defending” throughout the seven-nation bootfest.

“Although we didn’t win the crown, we’re still proud of their achievement. This is their best finish thus far,” said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta.

“They made a fantastic run in the tournament and we are proud of them. They are our champions,” PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes said for his part.

The PFF hosted a press conference for the team at its Pasig offices and feted the wards of coach Let Dimzon upon their arrival from Vietnam yesterday.