Azkals force 1-1 draw vs Oman

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals held 85th ranked Oman to a 1-1 draw Saturday night in Qatar to gain a big confidence boost ahead of their upcoming mission in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup.

The 114th ranked Azkals came back from an early goal and leaned on the top-class goal-tending of starter Neil Etheridge and reliever Michael Falkesgaard in the second half to weather the storm thrown by the Reds and force the standoff in the friendly held at Al Gharafa Stadium in Al Rayyah.

The reigning Golf Cup champion Reds put the Filipinos on the backfoot as they scored the breakthrough just eight minutes in off a dangerous set piece, which saw Etheridge initially clearing the ball before Raed Saleh punched it home on the rebound.

Etheridge later stopped a great chance by Oman’s Jameel Al Yahmadi off a corner kick and another by Mohsin Al Khaldi to keep the game close before the Azkals came through with the equalizer off a set piece at the 36th minute.

Manny Ott launched it to Javier Patino inside the box and Oman’s Khalid Al Hajri jumped with him but his headed clearance went into the Reds’ own net and put the two sides on equal footing.