Friday, March 16, 2012

Azkals vs Turkmenistan AFC Challenge Cup Semifinals Game Result

The Philippine Azkals' run in the AFC Challenge Cup came to an abrupt end after they lost, 1-2, at the hands of Turkmenistan in their semifinal encounter in Nepal on Friday.


The Azkals conceded 2 goals in the second half after claiming a 1-0 advantage in the first half.

Phil Younghusband scored the lone goal for the Philippines.

After a shaky start by both squads, the Azkals drew first blood in the 25th minute when Younghusband connected on a header that pushed the Azkals ahead, 1-0.

However, the Turkmenistan Green Men clawed back and dominated possession.

Turkmenistan Player of the Year Arslanmyrat Amanov scored the equalizer in the 80th minute, when his low volley sneaked past Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

Gahrymanberdi Chonkayev scored the winning goal for Turkmenistan in the 85th.

Making matters worse for the Azkals was Etheridge's ejection from the game in the 92nd minute.

Etheridge, who made spectacular saves in the game, was caught kicking the foot of a Turkmen player.

He received a red card, which means he won't be around when the Filipinos play for third place on Monday against the loser of the North Korea-Palestine match.

The Turkmens had 15 shots at the goal with 11 of them on target.

Meanwhile, the Azkals had 13 shots, with 8 on target.

The Filipinos' defense was also busier with 11 saves compared to Turkmenistan’s 8.

The Azkals missed the services of James Younghusband and Angel Guirado, who each incurred their second yellow card in the Tajikistan game.

Jason Sabio, whose throw-ins created chances for the Azkals in their earlier games, was also forced to sit out the Turkmenistan match due to a knee injury.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Azkals, who toppled two former champions on their way to the semifinals.

They beat 2008 champion India and 2006 titlist Tajikistan prior to their match against the Green Men.

The Philippines has never won a title in international football competition.

The last time the Philippines reached the finals was in 1925 in the Far Eastern Games wherein the country finished in second place.

No comments:

Post a Comment