Matches tomorrow (National Stadium, Male)
4 p.m. – Turmenistan vs Philippines (7 p.m. Manila time)
(Hithadoo Stadium, Addu City)
4 p.m. – Afghanistan vs Laos (7 p.m. Manila time)
ADDU CITY – Needing a win badly, the Philippine Azkals responded and trounced Laos, 2-0, to boost their semis chances in the AFC Challenge Cup last night at Hithadhoo Stadium here.
Defender Simone Rota and winger Patrick Reichelt delivered the much needed goals for the Azkals, who were gunning for the full three points after a scoreless draw with Afghanistan on opening day. (Related story on A-29)
With four points, the Azkals took Group B lead at presstime. Turkmenistan (3 points) and Afghanistan (1 point) were battling it out in the other game, seeking to get prime position in the chase for the Top 2 in the group and ticket to the semis.
The Azkals will face off with the Turkmen tomorrow over in Male, targetting a victory to avoid complications heading to the Last 4.
The Azkals came out firing against the Laotians and pressed forward but managed to pull through only twice despite controlling possession.
Rota, among seven debutants in the team, ended the Azkals’ relentless search for a first goal in the 40th minute when he flicked it home off a rebound.
Within striking distance as Stephan Schrock made an attack, Rota found the ball in his area after Laos keeper Vathana Keoduangdeth deflected Schrock’s shot.
A grateful Rota didn’t waste time and took a left-footer with gusto, sending the ball into the back of the net and the Phl side in frenzy.
Reichelt joined the scoring fray 15 minutes after the restart, heading in a corner kick issued by returning Phil Younghusband.
It could have easily been a 3-0 rout but Younghusband, playing his first game in the tourney after serving suspension in the Afghanistan match, bungled a gimme at the 63rd minute.