Young Pinoy booters off to strong start in U17 Asian Cup qualifiers

MANILA — The Philippine Under-17 Men’s National Football Team is off to a triumphant start in the 2027 AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers (ACQ) after a 2-1 win over Cambodia on Sunday at the Star City Sports Club in Thanlyin, Myanmar.

This was the third consecutive win by the Philippines against Cambodia at the U17 men’s level dating back to the 2025 ACQ.

Filipino-German forward Kai Müller starred in his debut, scoring both goals for the young side.

“I feel I was able to deliver a very good performance, and I’m very happy about that—but I’m far from satisfied yet,” the youth standout from FC Nurnberg said after the game.

It was a back-and-forth game for both sides, with both defenses averting open shots in the final third, but Müller found the back of the net in the 39th minute off the left boot on his attack inside the Cambodian box.

Cambodia fought back to end the first half, with their forward Long Bich scoring off a high press interception.

Cambodian substitute striker Chantha Seyha missed a header off a dangerous ball to the final third in the 58th minute, and Müller found the winner in the 69th minute after stunning two Cambodian defenders inside the box.

The young Pinoys then buckled down defensively the rest of the way, with center back Lucas Asher Alvarez from Bay Area Surf SC stopping Seyha’s dangerous attack inside the Philippines’ penalty box in the 83rd minute.

Goalkeeper Nicko Buan of Paris Saint German U15 then made two important saves deep in added time, saving an Olimpico attempt and a free kick from midfield by It Somaun in Cambodia’s final possessions.

The PMNFT U17, now coached by Spanish tactician Sergi Mulet, will next face 2023 and 2025 U17 World Cup contender Indonesia in Yangon on November 11, 4:30 PM (PHT)