BACOLOD CITY -- The Azkals didn't disappoint their home fans as they beat Mongolia, 2-0, in the first game of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup qualifiers at the packed Panaad Park and Stadium Wednesday night.
Veterans Emilio Caligdong and Phil Younghusband provided the goals in the game that saw Ian Araneta hit the woodwork, twice, against the defensive-minded Mongolians.
"The Philippines is now in a different position in football as we command respect. We had a difficult game because the other side refuses to participate but we managed to show our determination," said German Coach Hans Michael Weiss, who has been with the team for less than two weeks.
Mongolian coach Sandagdorj Erdenebat said the weather played a key role in their loss, as well as the early red card on one of their players in the 23rd minute.
The Azkals too had their share of anxious moments with referee Yu Ming Hsun, as Araneta got pushed inside the box in the first minute, while Phil Younghusband got brought down in the fifth.
In the fifth, Alexander Borromeo had a header but missed. The Azkals managed to control the midfield but it was Mongolia who had the first real attempt but hit wide.
Caligdong had a perfect cross in the 29th but nobody was there to collect it, while Robert Gener forced the keeper to a dive in the 36th.
In the 42nd, Caligdong showed great composure inside the box as he collected a cross, flicked it over a defender, then blasted it past keeper Ganbayar Tseveensuren.
"Chieffy played a fantastic game. For me, he is the man of the match," said Weiss.
That seemed to have ignited the Azkals' offense and they managed to fire three shots in the closing minutes.
The Azkals tried to push for more goals in the second half but just couldn't get it, while Mongolia also tried to keep the score low for the return leg by playing delaying tactics.
Araneta came closest in the 65th but his header hit the top bar. Two minutes later, Tseveensuren cleared his shot and in the 70th, Araneta would hit the side bar again.
Then deep in injury time, Phil Younghusband finally connected. Jason Sabio started the play as he scrambled to get the ball from the right flank to Phil, who feigned right, and sent a curling left-footer to the bottom right, bringing the crowd to its feet.
That was the final play of the game.
Meanwhile, Weiss also praised the crowd during the match, saying they were one of the best he has seen.
After the match, nobody moved for more than 10 minutes as they cheered the players, who ran around the oval to thank the fans.
The Philippines will meet Mongolia again on March 15 for the second leg. (Mike T. Limpag of Sun.Star Cebu)
Sun Star Cebu
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