By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.
AFC Asian Cup qualification round
The Philippine national football team, the Azkals, survived a scare last night from the Yemeni national football team, drawing 2-2 in their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification round match at the Panaad Park and Stadium.
The draw keeps the Azkals atop Group F.
The visiting side struck first, after defender Mudir Al-Radaei got the ball past Philippine keeper Neil Etheridge, putting Yemen up 1-0 after the 27th minute. However, that was quickly followed up by a goal from Azkals striker Phil Younghusband, who earned the equalizer in the 30th minute.
In the second half, Yemeni midfielder Abdulwasea Al-Matari earned back the lead, scoring a goal in the 55th minute.
It was not until the 71st minute that Younghusband’s brother, midfielder James Younghusband, got the two teams back level at 2-2.
Prior to the match, Azkals coach Thomas Dooley speculated last night’s match would be a difficult one, as several players are out with injuries.
The Philippines’ next qualifying match is a rematch with Yemen on October 10 at the Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar./JSG, WDJThe Philippine national football team, the Azkals, survived a scare last night from the Yemeni national football team, drawing 2-2 in their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification round match at the Panaad Park and Stadium.
The draw keeps the Azkals atop Group F.
The visiting side struck first, after defender Mudir Al-Radaei got the ball past Philippine keeper Neil Etheridge, putting Yemen up 1-0 after the 27th minute. However, that was quickly followed up by a goal from Azkals striker Phil Younghusband, who earned the equalizer in the 30th minute.
In the second half, Yemeni midfielder Abdulwasea Al-Matari earned back the lead, scoring a goal in the 55th minute.
It was not until the 71st minute that Younghusband’s brother, midfielder James Younghusband, got the two teams back level at 2-2.
Prior to the match, Azkals coach Thomas Dooley speculated last night’s match would be a difficult one, as several players are out with injuries.
The Philippines’ next qualifying match is a rematch with Yemen on October 10 at the Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar./JSG, WDJ