Afghanistan holds undermanned Azkals to a goalless draw

MANILA, Philippines – Without Phil Younghusband and Rob Gier in their lineup, the Philippine National Men’s Football Team settled for a scoreless draw in their 2014 AFC Challenge Cup opening match against Afghanistan, Tuesday night, May 20 (midnight in Manila) at the Hithadoo Stadium in Addu City, Maldives.

Both sides’ defense were tested as the Azkals and the Afghans had several good looks at goal all night-long but the match – which was delayed by an hour due to bad weather – still ended in a scoreless deadlock.

Afghanistan dictated the tempo early on as they kept the Philippine backline on their toes with threatening runs down the flanks.

The Azkals, however, answered back with counterattacks with Stephan Schrock’s 13th minute attempt going straight into the mitts of the Afghan goalkeeper.

The Philippines, however, was dealt a blow in the 20th as Chris Greatwich, who was a last-minute replacement to Paul Mulders in the starting lineup, had to call it a night with a lot of time left after he sustained an injury in a tussle with an Afghan midfielder.

Schrock once again came close to scoring in the half-hour mark as he lobbed one from 40 yards out but his shot grazed just inches above the crossbar.

It was a busy first half for Neil Etheridge in between the sticks as Afghanistan fired shot after shot approaching halftime but the Fulham keeper held on to keep the Philippines level, 0-0, at the break.

With both squads wanting to kickoff their campaign with a win, physicality ensued in the second half as players went down the pitch but the Philippines put up a better showing with Martin Steuble, Ruben Doctora, Patrick Reichelt and Schrock having good attempts at goal.

But the Azkals’ strong late-game showing amounted to nothing as Afghanistan held on to run away with a scoreless draw.

Their second half rally helped the Azkals finish with 12 attempts at goal with seven on target while the Afghans only had seven total attempts, three of which on target.

In the other Group B match, Turkmenistan made short work of Laos, 5-1, to put themselves in solo first place in the table.

The Philippines will next face Laos on Thursday, May 22. – Rappler.com