SEA: Philippines Edge Malaysia 2-1 As SEA Games Women's Football Kick Off Tuesday

SHAH ALAM (Selangor, Malaysia), Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia suffered an unexpected 1-2 defeat to the Philippines as the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games (KL2017) football competition kicked off at the UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam Tuesday night. Goalkeeper Nurul Azurin Mazlan was among players commended for putting up a good performance to thwart several close attempts by the Philippines and keep the margin of victory respectable. The squad under coach Mohd Asyraaf Fong Abdullah were one goal down in the dying minutes of the first half when Philippines skipper Impelido Patrice Mae San Pedro’s header found the target . Dadree Rofinus equalised for Malaysia in the 52nd minute but the Philippines slotted home the winner through Rodriquez Kathleen Camille Muldong in the 74th minute. Earlier defending champions Thailand came back from a goal down to beat Myanmar 3-2 at the UM Arena. (picture) Malaysian striker Nor Athirah Mamat (left) attempts to dribble the ball as her Phillipines counterpart Lemoran Charisa Marie tries to stop her during a KL2017 SEA Games women’s football match. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA