Philippines loses to Syria, 5-2

The Philippine men’s football team, the Azkals, opened the second round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds with a 5-2 loss to Syria last Thursday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
Things appeared optimistic for the Azkals from the outset with striker Javier Patiño scoring in the sixth minute. However, Syrian forward Omar Al Somah scored an equalizer shortly after in the 14th minute. By the 30th minute, midfielder Khaled Mobayed put Syria up 2-1.
Shortly into the second half, Azkals defender Daisuke Sato was cited for a handball, giving the Syrian side an opportunity for a penalty kick, which was successfully converted by forward Firas Al-Khatib.
Al Somah then put Syria up 4-1 with a second goal in the 55th minute.
By the 83rd minute, Ceres-Negros FC midfielder Mike Ott pulled one back but a goal from Syrian winger Mahmoud Al-Mawas sealed the 5-2 win.
The Azkals next face Guam at the Guam FA Field on September 10.
Guam opened their qualifying campaign with a loss, falling 1-0 to Maldives./ASC, WDJ