Pinays draw with Thais in AFC U-14

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines battled powerhouse Thailand to a 2-2 draw to boost its shot for the semis in the AFC U-14 Girls Asean Regional Championship yesterday at Chao Anouvong Stadium in Vientianne, Laos.

Katelyn Alexander fired a brace spiked by the tying goal in stoppage time of the second half as the Phl girls picked up a point against 2015 runner-up Thailand in an ego-boosting follow-up to their 3-1 victory over Laos on opening-day.

The Thais, who opened their bid with a 3-0 disposal of host Laos Tuesday, toted four points for the top spot in Group A, slightly ahead of the Pinays (four points) on goal difference.

Alexander put the Filipinas in front at the 13th minute, slamming it to the back of the net off an assist by captain Carleigh Frilles.

The Thais drew level late in the first with skipper Chatchawan Rodthong hitting the mark and wrested the upperhand seven minutes after restart via Ploychompoo Sombnonk’s connection.

Phl persisted to get the equalizer in the 70-minute encounter and was rewarded as Alexander netted her second goal of the day to tie it.

Alexander had three goals in the tournament overall after joining the scoring parade in the Filipinas’ come-from-behind 3-1 win over the Laotians. Maria Laso and Frilles accounted for the other goals in the Day One win.