Azkals, Oman share spoils in Qatar

By Kevin Estrada

The Philippines recorded a huge result in the Middle East, forcing Oman to share the spoils in a 1-1 friendly draw Saturday evening in Doha's Thani Bin Jassim Stadium (Sunday morning, Manila time).

Scott Cooper's Azkals defied all expectations to get a second result against a side that is in the Top 100 in the FIFA rankings, with their defence the key to get the draw against the reigning Gulf Cup champions.

Their resolve was put to the test early into the match, as the Philippines fell behind on a Raed Saleh strike in the 8th minute, pouncing on a botched clearance by Neil Etheridge from an Omani corner.

With six minutes before half-time, the Azkals equalized as Manny Ott's free kick was headed inadvertently by Khaled Al Hajiri into his own net, reversing what could have been Javier Patiño seventh international goal.

The second half saw the Azkals hold their fort at the defensive end, with substitute goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard recording two huge saves, to record a fantastic result against Pim Verbeek's side.

Apart from that, it also saw the debut of John-Patrick Strauss of Erzgebirge Aue, replacing Martin Steuble at the holding midfield role in the 67th minute, as they end the international break with a positive outlook ahead of their AFF Championship campaign next month.

Philippines: Etheridge (GK) (Falkersgaard 46'), Palla (Sato 58'), Silva, Woodland, Manny Ott, Dizon (Ramsay 58'), Phil YH (C) (James YH 83), Ingreso (Amin Nazari 43'), Reichelt, Patiño, Steuble (Strauss 67')

Oman: Ali Al Habsi (GK) (C), Musallami, Saleh, Al Hajri (Al Ghassari 67'), Al Khaledi (Al Sheyadi 78'), Al Mahaijri, Al Breki, Al Yahmadi, Sulaiman, Al Nahar (Al Mushaifri 86'), Al Saadi (Al Farsi 67')

https://www.dugout.ph/2018/10/azkals-oman-share-spoils-in-qatar.html