Turkmenistan 2-1 Philippines

Kathmandu: Turkmenistan will get another crack at AFC Challenge Cup glory after Gahryman Chonkayev's late winner gave the 2010 runners-up a 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Philippines in the first of Friday's semi-finals at the Dashrath Stadium.
The Philippines took a 25th minute lead when Phil Younghusband headed home his fourth of the campaign only for Turkmenistan Player of the Year Arslanmyrat Amanov to equalise in the 79th minute before Chonkayev settled the contest with four minutes left to play.

The Azkals went into the match without the influential duo of James Younghusband and Angel Guirado, who was the standout player in the Philippines' superb come-from-behind win over Tajikistan, setting up Phil Younghusband for the equaliser before netting the late winner.

Paul Mulders moved into midfield to replace Guirado while Angel's brother Juan dropped into defence, with Jason Sabio absent with a knee injury.

Misagh Bahadoran came in for James Younghusband, the Azkals' captain in their their opening match against defending champions DPR Korea, with Jason de Jong was making his first appearance in the tournament.

A loss of concentration in the Turkmen defence allowed Phil Younghusband a shot on target but his eighth minute shot flashed just wide of Rahmanberdi Alyhanov's right post before the Central Asians advanced up field with Elman Tagayev drawing a fine save from Neil Etheridge.

In the 17th minute Younghusband showed some nimble feet to charge past three Turkmen defenders only to see his shot blocked at the near post before the former Chelsea reserve acrobatically volleyed Guirado's long throw just wide eight minutes later.

But the goal the Philippines had been threatening came a minute later and it was no surprise that it came from Younghusband, with the 24-year-old heading home Mulders' cross for his tournament-leading fourth of the campaign.

Turkmenistan pressed for the equaliser with Gahryman Chonkayev rattling the underside of the bar before Amanov tested Etheridge with a shot from distance as the game reached the half-hour mark.

Three minutes later Alyhanov had to be alert to block a shot from Philippines' skipper Emelio Caligdong before the Turkmenistan captain comfortably stopped a long-range free-kick from Younghusband.

The Turkmen had a glorious chance to level when Chonkayev's cutback across the face of goal gave Amanov open target but a rare error from the Turkmenistan Player of the Year saw him scuff his 41st minute shot and just a minute later Etheridge stood tall to block Chonkayev from close range.

Turkmenistan did have the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time but Guvanch Rejepov was offside when he headed home Amanov's dangerous free-kick.

Six minutes into the second-half Ruslan Mingazov shot high and wide after being sent clear by Umidjan Astanov, who was booked a minute earlier for a wild lunge at diminutive winger Caligdong, before Etheridge safely gathered Serdar Annaorazov's effort from distance as Turkmenistan battled to get back into the semi-final.

A mistake from Guirado gave Turkmenistan 63rd minute free-kick which came to nothing before a stray pass in the Turkmen defence allowed the speedy Caligdong to intercept possession before Annaorazov but his pass across goal was fired wide by Younghusband.

The Philippines again came close when substitute Lexton Moy's 74th minute drive following some good build-up play from Ray Jonsson and Mulders and the Azkals' failure to extend their advantage was punished five minutes later when Ammanov equalised with a superb low drive.

Things got worse the Philippines when Guvanch Abylov robbed fellow substitute Roel Gener and set up Chonkayev who scored the winner with four minutes left to play.

The Philippines disappointment was compounded in stoppage-time when keeper Etheridge was red carded for an off the ball incident involving goal scorer Chonkayev.


afc.com

AFC Challenge Cup semifinal : Philippines vs Turkmenistan 1-2 FT

AFC Challenge Cup

16 March 2012 14:30 Philippines vs Turkmenistan Dashrath Stadium

16.45 (4.45 pm) in Manila

Starting XI:


Goalkeeper
Neil Leonard Dula Etheridge

Defenders
Carlos Alberto Olaivar Martinez Murga
Juan Luis Guirado
Robert James Dazo Gier
Ray Anthony Pepito Jonsson

Midfielders
Misagh Medina Bahadoran
Marwin Janver Malinay Angeles
Jason Nicolas Maria Dantes De Jong
Emelio Asada Caligdong (C)

Forwards
Philip James Younghusband
Paul Mulders


James Younghusband and Angel suspended . Jason Sabio injured

Jason de Jong , Misagh Bahadoran and Marwin Angeles in

Last match :

Philippines vs Turkmenistan 0-5 . 18. April 2009 AFC Challenge Cup qualifier

Neil Etheridge , Rob Gier and Chieffy played . Jason de Jong came in as sub

FIFA ranking : Philippines 156 - Turkmenistan 166


News, updates , livestream links , predictions , post in comments

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Philippines 1-0 25 min Phil Younghusband
Turkmenistan 1-1 81 min Arslanmyrat
Turkmenistan 1-2 88 min Chonkayev

Neil Etheridge red card 90 min

1-2 FT Turkmenistan to final. Philippines in third place match

We are not on holiday says Azkals skipper

Kathmandu: Skipper Emelio Caligdong is determined that the Philippines' historic progression to the semi-finals of the AFC Challenge Cup will not be the end of the Azkals' achievements in Nepal as they prepare to take on Turkmenistan in Friday's final-four fixture.



An opening defeat to title holders DPR Korea was followed by stunning victories over 2008 winners India and inaugural champions Tajikistan with the performance of the Philippines one of the highlights of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

The progression of the pre-tournament underdogs has captured the imagination of fans and media in the Philippines, Nepal and throughout Asia but Azkals captain Caligdong is insisting the job is far from over and that the team will by no means resting on their laurels.

"We are not here on holiday," the skilful left-winger quipped at a packed pre-match press conference.

"We are here to represent our country and to do the best we can."

Caligdong, who thought he had cleared Alexey Negmatov's header only for referee Ryuji Sato to have adjudged the ball had crossed the line as the Tajiks took a 1-0 lead against the run of play, stated confidently that the Philippines are more than capable of claiming another notable scalp when they take on the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup runners-up Friday.

"We are so happy to be here in the semi-final. We respect Turkmenistan but know we can beat them...anything is possible."


afc.com

Sans two aces, Azkals battle Turkmen side

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

KATHMANDU—On the brink of another milestone, the Philippine Azkals stand undaunted. The Azkals, buoyed by a renewed belief in their abilities, take on 2010 finalist Turkmenistan in the semifinals of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup today at the Dashrath Stadium here.
Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. (4:45 p.m. in Manila) with the Philippines gunning for a first finals stint in the tournament where it achieved little success in the past.
Defending champion North Korea, which defeated the Philippines, 2-0, last Friday, is favored to prevail in the other semifinal duel with Group A runner-up Palestine. The winners will clash for the title and the AFC Asian Cup berth that awaits the champion on Monday.
The Azkals will miss two of their attacking linchpins in James Younghusband and Angel Guirado, who scored the game-winner in the do-or-die duel with Tajikistan, 2-1, last Tuesday. Younghusband also assisted on the two goals his younger brother Phil scored in the 2-0 triumph over India.
Guirado and Younghusband will sit out the match because of suspension for accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage, while another player, defender Jason Sabio, is doubtful because of a knee injury.
“It’s unfortunate that we have two of our main players out due to suspension, but I think—and I have strong belief on the players that will be asked to step in—will play beyond their potential just because they know what’s at stake in the match,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.
“We have every right to be confident going into the game,” said Phil Younghusband, who is one of the tournament’s leading scorers with three goals.
“Thinking about it now, we are better conditioned because we were able to play North Korea in the group stage and not in the semifinals.”
The Azkals returned to training yesterday afternoon after enjoying lunch of Filipino dishes like adobo, pancit bihon and puto prepared by a small group of Filipinos in this landlocked city.
In their only meeting in the 2009 tournament, Turkmenistan crushed the Philippines, 5-0, in the Maldives, but some of the remnants of that side believe that the Azkals have a better team now.
“There’s nothing special with Turkmenistan,” said striker Ian Araneta. “The time when we faced them, our preparation wasn’t that good.”
Nonetheless, defender Rob Gier, who helps coach Michael Weiss with scouting, believes the Azkals are in for a rough outing against a team that defeated host Nepal, 3-1, and Maldives, 3-0.
“I think it will obviously be a close game,” said Gier. “I expect them to play like Tajikistan with a slightly different formation. They are going to be a physical team, but I dont see any reason why we cant win.”
Weiss believes that playing free from the burden of expectations will serve the team in good stead.
“We have nothing to lose,” said Weiss. “We can play with a free mind and we can play on the offensive now.”
Without Guirado and James Younghusband, Weiss could recall Misagh Bahadoran and Marwin Angeles back into the starting eleven. Jason de Jong, a defensive midfielder, could also make his first appearance in the tournament because of the duo’s absence.


inquirer.net

Absence of James, Angel a ‘big blow’

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

KATHMANDU—Philippine Azkals’ striker Phil Younghusband, the country’s leading scorer in the AFC Challenge Cup here, feels he is benefitting from the team’s improved play and said that the absence of his older brother James and Angel Guirado will be a “big blow” against Turkmenistan.
Phil is tied with North Korea’s Pak Nam-chol as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals from three matches.
But he has been quick to give the credit to his teammates, particularly the defensive line consisting of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Ray Jonsson, Carli de Murga, Jason Sabio and Rob Gier.
“We’ve been playing well together,” said the 24-year-old striker, who has 21 goals in 32 appearances for the country. “Obviously, the attack has been getting praise because we have been scoring, but it’s been a total team effort.”
The suspension of older brother James and Guirado for accumulated yellow cards means Phil will be missing two familiar faces in the attack line.
“I have a connection with brother and me, and Angel (Guirado) we’re also starting to have a connection,” said Phil. “It’s a big blow for me personally. The last game I couldn’t have done it without Angel (Guirado).”
Younghusband could be paired up with Fil-Dutch midfielder Paul Mulders, who set up the Fil-British striker for the first goal in the friendly against Nepal.
The Netherlands-based Mulders, who missed a clear-cut chance in injury time against Tajikistan, believes he can still come up with a stronger performance.
“I was only able to adjust to the time difference two nights ago,” said Mulders, who plays for ADO Den Haag in the Dutch first division. “I still feel I can do better.”
With Mulders around, Phil believes he still has solid attacking support. “I love playing with Paul,” he said. “He puts pressure on the ball and loves to attack. I don’t know who coach (Michael Weiss) will pick but if I have Paul with me there, I’m confident.”

Racist’ TV show hosts earn PFF ire

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer


KATHMANDU—Calling their statements as “racist, libelous and discriminatory,” the Philippine Football Federation yesterday lodged a complaint against GMA Network’s Arnold Clavio and Rhea Santos for their comments against the men’s national team.
In a strongly worded four-page letter to GMA president and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., PFF president Mariano Araneta demanded that “Clavio be sanctioned for his…assertions that members of the men’s football team are not Filipinos” during the March 13 episode of the morning show “Unang Hirit.”
Araneta also asked for a written apology from Clavio to the PFF and men’s national team currently seeing action in the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup here.
Clavio and Santos’ comments came after the show aired a news report on the sexual harassment complaint filed by AFC match commissioner against national team members Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy.
“You are not Filipinos. You are only pretending to be brown. You did not grow up here,” said Clavio in Filipino.
The PFF took Santos to task for sexist remarks, demeaning Filipino women and the Filipino women supporters of the national team.

inquirer.net

Nothing to lose in semifinals

KATHMANDU – With a milestone semifinal appearance in the AFC Challenge Cup, the Philippine Azkals feel they now have a lighter burden on their shoulders as they proceed to the higher stages of the tournament they were not expected to reach.

“We have nothing to lose now,” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss, whose unheralded wards hacked out back-to-back wins over former champions India (2-0) and Tajikistan (2-1) to complete their fairytale ride to the semis in Group B.

Not given much attention in the pre-tournament, the Azkals will face off with Group A topnotcher Turkmenistan (seven points on 2-1-0) in the knockout duel tomorrow. Group B No. 1 and defending champion North Korea (nine points, 3-0-0) meets Group A second seed Palestine (seven points, 2-1-0) in the other semis pairing.

“We can play with a free mind and play very, very offensively. Also, we’ll risk more now because now it’s about winning, not about defending, maybe in the final, if we reach the final. A little bit different but still we need to approach another opponent and try to already win goals early in the half,” Weiss said.

But the Azkals will be handicapped by the suspension of co-skipper James Younghusband and Angel Guirado due to accumulation of yellow cards while defender Jason Sabio and midfielder Juani Guirado are nursing minor knee and thigh injury, respectively.

James and Angel were booked during Tuesday’s game with Tajikistan, their second caution of the tourney.

“We were trying to tell the players about that (staying away from caution) but it’s a do-or-die match. The referee was too strict, they were not ‘cardable’ offense but anyway, they were given and we can’t do anything about that now.

“So we will just have to adjust with the materials that we have. But we’re still quite formidable with the players we have out there. We’ll make adjustments,” said Palami.

Fil-Dutch Jason de Jong, who joined the team late and sat out the last two games, is expected to get his time on the field as well as Lexton Moy and Marwin Angeles.

“This is something we’re always going through, you know, players not coming even if they promise to come or come late or whatever. It affects the team in one way but we have to cope with it .

“The players available will do their best. We have fantastic spirit and the players are performing over their level and they will go through this even without these two players, no doubt,” said Weiss.

Overall, both Weiss and Palami like the Azkals’ chances against 166th-ranked Turkmenistan.


“I think we have a big chance against Turkmenistan to reach the finals,” the German mentor said.

Palami added: “We now have a system that somehow works for us – more of defensive but quick to pounce on offensive opportunities. I think if we stick to that kind of game, considering players that are here, then we stand a good chance of going to the finals and that is always the dream that we wanted to achieve,” Palami said.


philstar

Official statement of Arnold Clavio on the Azkals issue

GMA News anchor Arnold Clavio responds to criticisms about the recent remarks he made about the sexual harassment case currently faced by some members of the Philippine Azkals:

Mga igan, nakakalungkot na may negatibong reaksyon ang naging pahayag ko tungkol sa Philippine Azkals kaugnay ng sexual harassment complaint ni Ms. Cristy Ramos. Wala po akong ganoong intensyon. Ang isyu po rito ay sexual harassment at kung may nagamit man po akong mga salita na hindi angkop, nagpapakumbaba po ako at humihingi ng pang-unawa. Dun naman po sa mga kasama kong nanindigan laban sa sexual harassment, maraming salamat po. Seryoso pong isyu ito na dapat bantayan.

-Arnold Clavio

GMA network