Sweet repeat for Azkals Caligdong stars at Phl tames Vietnam anew to stay alive in Suzuki Cup

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines’ landmark triumph over Vietnam two years ago was no fluke after all.

Banking on the endgame heroics of gutsy team captain Chieffy Caligdong, the Phl Azkals reaffirmed their mastery over the ‘Red Warriors’ of Vietnam, 1-0, to keep their championship hopes alive in the AFF Suzuki Cup last night at theRajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Azkals vanquished the very same team that became their launching pad to stardom during the 2010 edition of the prestigious tournament.  Their stunning upset over Vietnam, then the defending champion, turned them into overnight celebrities and in the process spark the Azkals-mania in the entire nation.

Last night, they just proved that they are worthy of such overwhelming adoration by Filipino fans.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, darating din yung chance na makakabawi ako sa laro ko sa Thailand,” said Caligdong, who knocked in the game-clinching goal off a beautiful pass by Angel Guirado at the 85th.

Interestingly, Caligdong was fielded in by the Azkals only 10 minutes before he sank the lone goal of the match. He checked in at the 74th to replace James Younghusband.

And his presence turned out to be a magical moment for the Azkals.

After receiving a nifty assist from Guirado, Caligdong wasted no time in pounding the ball straight to the net to the delight of Filipino spectators who wildly cheered for their compatriots at the sidelines.

“Sobrang saya ko, Ibinigay ko 101%. Masaya kami lahat dito sa dugout but we can’t celebrate. May laban pa kami. We have a big chance,” added Caligdong.

The Azkals pulled the huge victory without head coach Hans Michael Weiss, who served his one-game suspension after being ejected for throwing a ball at an injured Thai player during their 1-2 loss to host Thailand last Saturday night.

The win was also a huge morale-booster for the Azkals as they head into a crucial match against Myanmar at 9 pm on Friday where a semifinal berth is at stake. (FREEMAN)