Azkals waylays Nepal

PHIL Younghusband scored two dramatic goals to power Philippine Azkals' 4-1 victory against Nepal in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers held on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial stadium and watched by 1,715 football fans.

“Our intensity in the game was good, we played as a team,” said skipper Younghusband during the post-game interview.

Younghusband started the national team attacked with his arrowed penalty shot in the 21st minute of the match, bringing wild cheers from the fans.

“It was not as easy to take the second penalty after missing the first one. I felt more pressured in taking my second penalty shot,” said Younghusband, who after two minutes, scored his second goal.

Four minutes later, the national squad is heading for a field day as forward Ian Ramsay scored another goal in the 27th minute of the match, giving Philippines an imposing 3-0-lead.

Forward Javier Patinio sealed the locals big win with his goal in the 72nd minute.

“I think we played a good game . We had solid combinations,” said coach Thomas Dooley of the Philippines adding that he is happy about his team performance whom they will be playing Tajikistan in June 13.

Bishal Rai, a substitute player, scored the lone goal for the visiting team from Katmandu (Nepal). Rai’s goal came after a minute extension in the first half.

Nepal coach Koji Gyotokij said he is not happy the way his team played adding that it gave his team a vast experience playing against a more cohesive team like the Azkals.

Gyotokij pointed out he instructed his players to mark Azkals’ Ian Ramsay and Jeffrey Christiaens, but they were fast.

Both squads displayed superb offense and defense, but Nepalese midfielder Bikram Lama was penalized and been issued a red card for his “dangerous” defense stance. PNA