Philippines advance with Bangladesh to semis

Sports Desk: The Philippines smartly qualified for the semifinal of the 5th version of the six-nation Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football Tournament eliminating hapless Laos 3-1 in their opening Group B match at Sylhet District Stadium here on Wednesday evening.

After the day’s match, hosts Bangladesh also assured the semifinal berth from Group B at the coffin of Laos with one match to spare against stronger Philippines on Friday to decide the group champions.

With the day’s feat, the Philippines topped the Group B list securing full three points from one match by virtue of better goal margin (3-1), hosts Bangladesh were in the 2nd slot with three points from one match due to poor goal difference (1-0) while Laos eliminated from the meet empty hand losing both other group affairs.

Three of the four goals of the match were scored from penalty.

Bedic put the Philippines ahead in the 44th minute from a penalty (1-0), Gayaso doubled the margin in the 53rd minute from a power packed header (2-0) while Bahadoran scored the 3rd goal in the 82nd minute, also from a penalty (3-0).

Kongmathilath reduced the margin for Laos in the 88th minute, also from another penalty (3-1).


risingbd/Dhaka/October 03, 2018/A K Azad