Philippine Azkals vs Palestine AFC Result and Replay

Philippine Azkals, made history in football as they finish 3rd in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, after beating Palestine in a thrilling game Monday afternoon in Nepal. The Azkals had 4 goals against Palestine with 3 goals.

Striker Phil Younghusband scored two goals. Angel and Juani Guirado, both had 1 goal. It was a historic victory for the Philippines, who missed the chance to make the Challenge Cup finals after a heartbreaking 1-2 score against Turkmenistan in the semi-finals.

The 2012 AFC Challenge Cup 3rd Place Match: Philippines vs. Palestine replay will air on March 20 at 3 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable Channel 34.

Azkals vs Palestine: AFC Challenge Cup Battle for 3rd

Azkals aim for 3rd in AFC Challenge Cup as they face Palestine this Monday, March 19, 2012.

Returning in action for the Azkals are Guirado and James Younghusband, as well as Jason Sabio, who is returning from injury.

Watch Azkals vs Palestine: AFC Challenge Cup Battle for 3rd Live Telecast on Studio 23. Stay tuned for live updates and game results.

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.

Azkals vs Turkmenistan AFC Challenge Cup Semifinals Game

After the successful conquest of inaugural AFC Champions Tajikistan the Philippine Azkals will now move on to the next round, the semi-finals of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup against Turkmenistan, the top team in Group A.

Turkmenistan ranked higher compared to Palestine with the goal difference advantage although both teams game ended in a scoreless draw. Turmenistan had 7 points while Palestine had 7 points as well but Turmenistan defeated Nepal with 3-0 score while Palestine won over Nepal with 2-0 advantage.

The Philippine Azkals on the other hand advanced to the semi-finals by virtue of a total of 6 points earned in Group B by defeating both former AFC Champions India and Tajikistan for one of the biggest upset in the AFC Challenge Cup history.

The game between the Philippines and Turkmenistan will be held this coming Friday, March 16, 2012 at around 14:30 (Nepal Time) 04:45 (Phil. Time).

The Philippine Azkas and Turkmenistan have met before during the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers wherein the Philippines was held scoreless with the final score at 5-0. The game was held at the Male National Stadium last April 18, 2009 at 4:00 PM.

The Azkals vs Turkmenistan AFC Challenge Cup Semifinals Game will be telecast live by Studio 23.

Watch Azkals vs Turkmenistan AFC Challenge Cup Semifinals Game Live on Studio 23.

Azkals AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Schedule

The Philippine Azkals are among the 8 finalist teams in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup, which will take place in Nepal from March 3 to 18, 2012.

 Also competing in the 4th edition of the Challenge Cup are Palestine, India, Turkmenistan, Maldives, Tajikistan, host country Nepal and defending champion North Korea.

The Azkals qualified in the tournament’s final line-up by beating Mongolia in the playoffs with an aggregate score of 3-2.

The Filipino football squad also beat Nepal, 4-0, in a friendly game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Here is the schedule of Philippine Azkals in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012.

March 9: 2012 AFC Challenge Cup North Korea vs Philippines Kathmandu Nepal
March 11: 2012 AFC Challenge Cup India vs Philippines Kathmandu Nepal
March 13: 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Tajikistan vs Philippines Kathmandu Nepal