KATHMANDU—Phil Younghusband couldn’t wait to atone for his missed early chance that he felt could have altered the result against North Korea Friday.
When he got his chance against India Sunday night, he delivered with aplomb.
Younghusband scored two wonder goals to lift the Azkals to a 2-0 shutout of the 2008 champions that kept the Azkals’ hopes of advancing to the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup alive at the Dasharath Stadium here.
“Fantastic,” Philippines coach Michael Weiss said, describing the performance of the Loyola Meralco striker, who hiked his total to 20 international goals.
The victory moved the Philippines into a tie with Tajikistan at second spot with three points, making their final Group B showdown tomorrow at the Halchowk Stadium a virtual knockout match.
Tajikistan lost to North Korea, 0-2, at Halchowk Sunday, leaving the Tajiks, who prevailed over India, 2-0, last Friday, also level with the Azkals on goal difference. The Azkals also lost to the Koreans, 2-0.
“We deserve this victory,” said Weiss. “We played with alot of confidence. But we can play much better.”
Weiss made two changes to the starting eleven, inserting Chieffy Caligdong and Rob Gier to the lineup and moving defender Juan Guirado to the holding midfield role.
India dominated the early exchanges but it was Younghusband’s moment of magic in the 10th minute that spelled the difference in a dour opening half.
Jason Sabio, whose long throw-ins have become a weapon in recent matches, heaved another one into the box, finding James Younghusband, who headed the ball unto the path of Phil.
And with one quick turn, Phil rifled it to the bottom corner with his left foot, beating Karanjit Singh.
The Younghusband connection worked to perfection anew in the 73rd minute when the Azkals doubled the lead. Substitute Misagh Bahadoran started the move on the left and the
Younghusbands, so confident with the ball, swapped passes inside the box, freeing up Phil, who dinked the ball past Singh.
The Azkals chased for a third goal and Angel Guirado, released by Paul Mulders on the right, forced a fine save from Singh, while Bahadoran also had a shot wide from long range.
India controlled the ball for long periods in the first half, but lacked the cutting edge to break down a resolute Azkals defense.
Neil Etheridge, bucking pain on his right wrist, was again a commanding presence, well-positioned to save a shot from Joaquim Abranches in the 35th minute and a couple of long-range efforts in the second half.
inquirer.net
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