Laos entered the game excitedly and unexpectedly took the lead right in the 7th minute. From a goalkeeper's serve, captain Damoth Thongkhamsavath launched a not-too-dangerous long-range shot, but goalkeeper Kammeraad made a mistake when letting the ball get past his hands and roll into the net, helping the home team take a 1-0 lead.
However, the turning point of the match came just minutes later. In the 14th minute, defender Somsanith received a direct red card after the referee consulted VAR and determined a dangerous tackle on a Filipino player. Playing with one less player very early forced Laos to retreat deep to defend.
Despite playing with more players, the Philippines had many difficulties in penetrating the opponent's defense. Even the away team once put the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed after VAR determined the foul in the dispute situation.
In the second half, the Philippines quickly created a difference. In the 47th minute, Lucero finished diagonally to equalize the score 1-1 after Woods' assist. Just 5 minutes later, the continuous pressure from the away team made defender Sidavong clumsily score an own goal, helping the Philippines take a 2-1 lead.
In the 60th minute, the Philippines was awarded a penalty after VAR determined that the Lao player touched the ball with his hand in the penalty area. From the 11m spot, Gayoso successfully converted to widen the gap to 3-1.
In the remaining time, Laos, despite trying very hard, could not make a difference when they had to play with one less player. In the 89th minute, Sato scored to seal a 4-1 victory for the Philippines.
The victory helps the Philippines have more excitement before welcoming Thailand in the next match when they have 3 points after 2 matches, while Laos continues to be at the bottom of the group after 3 consecutive defeats.
