The Azkals Development Team (ADT) impressed in the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) with its first win over Mendiola FC, 2-0, on Tuesday, November 3, at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

The Under-23 national team squad moves up the rankings with 3 points in its first appearance in the professional league that is being staged in a bubble.

Switching to the forward position in the 65th minute, Jarvey Gayoso opened the scoreline in the 72nd minute after he headed in the long cross from Carlo Dorin in the left flank.

With the momentum on ADT’s side, Mathew Custodio doubled the lead in the 80th minute when he rebounded Mar Diano’s close-range shot that was deflected by Kenry Balobo.

“We had to go to the bench at the end and mix some things up because for our development players, we need to show them how to win games as well,” said Azkals coach Scott Cooper about the pivotal 2nd half shake-up.

“We’ll see about the next game and think about these players’ development,” he added.

In the 63rd minute, Marcel Ouana went down with an injury and was stretchered off the pitch, leading to a mass substitution within ADT.

The entry of Troy Limbo, Dean Ebarle, and Kennedy Uzoka propelled their offense, solidifying the clinical performance.

ADT already controlled the game from the get-go as the young Azkals threatened with a 57% possession and 5 corners in the first half.

Both teams brought the game to cardiac action at the end of the first half as a Hamed Hajimedi free kick sailed wide, leading to an ADT counterattack and Yrick Gallantes got fouled by Balobo, who went out of line.  

After the young Azkals notched their 5th corner, Louise Polinag committed a handball in the box.

Balobo made up for his blunder as he saved Marvin Angeles’ spot kick and the Mendiola defenders managed to clear the ADT rebound to keep the scoreline at 0-0.

Mendiola continues to sit at the bottom of the standings with 0 points and a -8 goal difference. – Rappler.com