The Azkals nipped Nepal in Asian Cup Qualifers
The Philippines won 4-1 in its first match in the Asian Cup Qualifiers on March 28 held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The game started well for the Philippine side, as Javier Patiño headed a ball on goal in the 13th minute, but was blocked by a handball which resulted to a penalty kick. However, the penalty was denied by the Nepalese keeper.
Mike Ott was brought down by a Nepal defender inside the penalty area, so Phil Younghusband made up for an earlier mistake after converting another penalty in the 20th minute.
Putting the Azkals skipper in the forward position does pay off, he scored his second goal in the 23rd minute. Five minutes later, Iain Ramsay added the 3rd goal for the Azkals through
Nepal last defeated the Philippines on May 31, 1982, about 35 years ago.
The Gorkhalis made sure they wont go home empty-handed, managed to snatch a goal courtesy of Bishal Rai in 47th of the extra time in the first half.
The Nepalese also also gave us a few scary moments in the second half when the home side gets over confident, exposing the defence at the back.
The Henan Jianye striker Patiño hammered the last nail in the coffin for the 4th goal in the 72nd minute.
| Match Statistics | ||
| Philippines | Nepal | |
| 7 | Shots on target | 5 |
| 2 | Shots off target | 1 |
| 2 | Penalties | 1 |
| 1 | Corner kicks | 0 |
| 1 | Yellow cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red cards | 1 |
| 2 | Fouls committed | 3 |
Stats source: mycujoo.tv
