Azkals on cusp of greatness on Greatwich's heroics

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Azkals moved one win away from its dream AFC Asian Cup stint after eking out a thrilling 3-2 victory over host Maldives in the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup Tuesday night (early Wednesday Manila time) at the National Stadium in its capital Male.

Chris Greatwich provided the separation that the Azkals needed to fend off an inspiring comeback by the home team buoyed by its rabid fans.

With both teams never giving up an inch all throughout the regulation, Greatwich came up with the biggest goal of his career and the Azkals to date in the 104th minute of extension to carry the Philippines to the finals of this tournament for the first time.

The Azkals will chase the elusive AFC Challenge Cup title and a slot in next year's Asian Cup against familiar foe Palestine on Friday.

Azkals edged Palestine in the consolation match to finish third in the last edition of this tournament two years ago.

Carrying the momentum of a two-game roll in the group stages, the Azkals were on the attack mode early on with three scoring chances inside the first 10 minutes. Their efforts were rewarded when the national team's leading scorer Phil Younghusband buried his 36th international goal 19 minutes into the match.

Mohammed Umair tied the match 17 minutes later but the Azkals regained the upper hand once again on Jerry Lucena's breakthrough international goal in the 39th minute.

Azkals' secone choice keeper Roland Muller also did a solid job defending the pitch as he came up with spectacular saves after another none bigger than his block on Ibrahim Fazeel's penalty kick in the 53rd minute.

Maldives, energized by a huge home crowd, rallied back and leveled the match with an Ali Ashfaq-Assadhulla Abdulla connection in the 66th minute that went through overtime.

The Azkals, though, were not to be denied as Greatwich came away with a great shot off a Patrick Reichelt missed attempt in the extra time.