U23 Azkals end trip to AFC qualifiers with loss to Cambodia

MANILA, Philippines – The U23 Philippine national football team ended their 3-game outing in the AFC U23 championship qualifiers with a 3-1 loss against Cambodia at Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand on Tuesday, March 31.

Despite muscling their opponents late in the match, the young Azkals failed to notch their first win in the tournament.

The Filipinos were handed a nightmare-like opening half as the offense of their foes pounced on their back line, which then resulted into a 3-0 margin at the half in favor of Cambodia.

As the game entered its dying minutes, the U23 Azkals shifted their might into full force in hopes of salvaging the match but their efforts only paid off after Fitch Arboleda’s shot found the back of the net in stoppage period.

The young booters of the Philippines ended their tour of duty in the continental tournament, which also doubles as the Olympic qualifiers, with only two goals scored in a span of three games.

They end the qualifying stage on the bottom of Group G after suffering a 4-0 against North Korea on opening day and a 5-1 rout against hosts Thailand for the second game. – Rappler.com