The Philippines’ second-half barrage demolished Laos, 4-1, for its first victory in the ASEAN Championship at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane on Saturday.

The victory puts the Nationals back in the hunt for one of the top two spots in Group B in hopes of advancing to the semifinals.

For the Laotians, their third loss in as many games eliminated them from contention after previous defeats to Malaysia and Thailand.

Laos started the match strongly after Damoth Thongkhamsavath’s screamer in the seventh minute found the back of the net after the ball slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Quincy Kameraad.

A red card shown to Phetdavanh Somsanid in the 14th minute left Laos with 10 men, giving the Philippines the advantage.

Javier Lucero scored the equalizer in the 47th minute before Viengxay Sydavong conceded an own goal in the 52nd minute to give the Philippines a 2-1 lead.

A penalty by Jarvey Gayoso in the 60th minute and a header from Daisuke Sato in the 88th minute ensured the Nationals would walk away with the victory.

The Philippines will head back to the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac on 4 August to face seven-time champion Thailand at 9 p.m.