Azkals drop World Cup qualifier rematch with Bahrain

MANILA, Philippines – The Azkals’ chances of advancing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers took a major hit on Tuesday, October 13 as they fell 0-2 to host Bahrain at Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa.

The Philippines, which entered with 7 points in Group H after winning its first two matches against Bahrain and Yemen, before losing to Uzbekistan and drawing North Korea, were tied at nil-nil at halftime.

But Bahrain, which now inches to within striking distance of third place with 6 points, broke the deadlock after Ismail Abdul-Latif knocked one in past Neil Etheridge at the 52′ mark. Adnan Husain then found the back of the net at 60′ to reach the final tally.

The score could’ve been far more lopsided if not for the awareness of Etheridge who came up with timely saves to keep the Philippines in the game.

The Philippines continued to press for a goal but lost Phil Younghusband in stoppage time after he was booked. Younghusband may be unavailable for their next match with Yemen on November 13 due to accumulated yellow cards.

The Philippines defeated Yemen 2-0 in their last match in June.

North Korea remains comfortably in the lead of Group H with 13 points after defeating Yemen 1-0 on Tuesday, while Uzbekistan remains in second place with 9 points. Yemen remains at the bottom, having not earned a point in 5 matches.

After the Philippines vs Yemen match, the Azkals will head on the road to Uzbekistan before meeting North Korea again in the Philippines. – Rappler.com