The Philippines suffered a 3-0 defeat to Indonesia in their opening Group A match of the 2027 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers at Padaythar Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, on Wednesday.
Despite creating two promising scoring opportunities in the first half, the young Filipino side struggled against Indonesia’s attacking pressure, with Dhamar Tri Kusuma scoring twice before halftime and I Dewa Gede Majesta Sandhya adding a third goal in the second half.
The Philippines threatened in the 32nd minute when Clark Lisser received a through ball and evaded two Indonesian defenders inside the penalty area, but his attempt narrowly missed the right post.
Two minutes later, Alejo Paradies also came close to scoring, but his effort went just wide.
Indonesia eventually broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, with Dhamar finishing a series of short passes with a delicate chip past goalkeeper Nicko Sunga Buan.
Dhamar nearly doubled the lead five minutes later, but his header off a Chico Yarangga cross struck the post. He eventually completed his brace in first-half stoppage time, firing a powerful low shot past Sunga in the 45th+1 minute.
The Young Garuda continued to dictate the pace after the break, with Dhamar narrowly missing a chance to complete his hat-trick in the 52nd minute.
Indonesia sealed the victory in the 76th minute when substitute Ichiro Akbar set up Majesta, who converted with a first-time left-footed strike.
The result gave Indonesia three points and second place in Group A, behind leaders Afghanistan, who have won their first two matches.
Only the group winners will advance to the final tournament of the 2027 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, which will be held in Uzbekistan next May.