Phil hailed Challenge Cup top scorer

Netting a personal milestone, AFC Challenge Cup top scorer Phil Younghusband is sharing the Golden Boot award with his teammates.

“I couldn’t do it without my teammates,” said the Azkals ace striker, who was Phl’s greatest offensive threat in their bronze medal-winning performance in the biennial meet in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Linking up well with Angel Guirado, brother James, Chieffy Caligdong and Paul Mulders from the midfield, Younghusband found the back of the net six times in the 12-day tourney, making his “dance routine” a familiar sight in the Himalayan nation.

“My role changed. I used to be the first to receive and get the ball, now I’m the first to stay up. I think that’s one of the reasons as well. I’m playing high up, the field gives me better chances to score.

“And you got players like Angel, James, Chieffy and Mulders who can create chances for you,” said Younghusband, now the owner of 24 goals in 33 games.

It was the first international Golden Boot award for the former Chelsea reserve, who spiked his Challenge Cup spree with a pair of braces, first in the Azkals’ 2-0 win over India in the group stages and in their 4-3 triumph over Palestine in the third place match.

Of course, the Azkals’ bronze medal finish made it all sweeter for Younghusband.

“The most important thing is to help the team to succeed,” he said.

RUDY SANTOS The Philippine Azkals, headed by team manager Dan Palami (center) and ace striker Phil Younghusband (with trophy), hold a press conference upon arrival at the NAIA-3 yesterday following their historic third place finish in the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal.