MANILA, Philippines – It is history. 

The Philippine Azkals qualified for the 2019 UAE Asian Cup as they defeated Tajikistan 2-1 on Tuesday, March 27, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium 

The Tajiks committed a big foul on Patrick Reichelt that saw captain Phil Younghusband score his 50th international goal off a spot kick that sealed the win for the Philippine Azkals in the 90th minute. 

90’- THE MAGIC 50TH INTERNATIONAL GOAL OF PHIL YOUNGHUSBAND! Azkals are now up 2-1. #Azkals #ACQ2019 pic.twitter.com/Kv7evPLAcU

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 27, 2018

Hope seemed to falter as Tajikistan was the one who opened the scoring. A hard foul from Kevin Ingreso on Tajikistan captain Davronov Nuriddin awarded Nazarov Aktham a spot kick which he converted to put Tajikistan up 1-0 in the 64th minute.

64’- GOAL TAJIKISTAN! Nazarov takes the spot kick and it found the back of the net. #ACQ2019 #Azkals pic.twitter.com/Q2XSTcZueq

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 27, 2018

Ingreso then made up for his blunder in the 73rd minute when he received Iain Ramsay’s cross and made a crucial header that found the back of the net. The match was evened at 1-1. 

Azkals sit on top of Group F with 12 points off 3 wins and 3 draws. 

In the scoreless first half, the Azkals’ greatest chance came at the 38th minute where Iain Ramsay’s corner found Simone Rota whose attack sailed over the bar. 

38’- Ramsay’s corner found Rota but his shot sailed over the bar #ACQ2019 #Azkals pic.twitter.com/1ZchqwdZZX

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 27, 2018

The Azkals’ superb defense in the first half managed to repel chances taken by the Tajiks. – Rappler.com