Phil still off-form after injury, layoff

MALE – The man who  won the Golden Boot in the previous AFC Challenge Cup – Phil Younghusband – seemed to be a shell of his old offensive self – at least in his first game here, a 2-0 win over Laos.

Younghusband, who returned to action after serving a one-game suspension in their scoreless draw with Afghanistan, blew at least two golden opportunities to make his mark in that win over Laos.

“It was the first game I played in about a month, so it’s okay,” said Younghusband, who also nursed an injury that prevented him from suiting up for the Azkals in their previous friendlies.

“I think a lot of people expect me to score every game but as of now, I’m playing No. 10 (playmaker) so I’m getting the ball a lot deeper and it’s harder for me to get inside the box. But  I thought I did okay, considering I haven’t played for a while,” he added.

As for the missed chances, Younghusband said he used his weak left foot in those shots.

“But no excuses, I should have scored those. I was very disappointed I didn’t but we got the win and that’s the most important thing, “ he said.