Azkals Advance to Asian Cup for the First Time Beating Tajikistan 2-1
With history on the line, the Philippine Azkals showed why they belong on a bigger stage.
On Tuesday night, Azkals defeated Tajikistan 2-1 to book their first-ever entry to the Asian Cup in front of 4,600 raucous fans at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The team was held goalless in the first half and was down to the Tajiks, 0-1, until Kevin Ingreso scored a goal in the 75th minute.
In the 63rd minute, Ingreso tackled Davronov Nuriddin inside the box, handing a penalty kick to the Tajiks. It was converted by Nazarov Akhtam beating Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge for the 1-0 lead.
“I made the mistake, it was a clear foul. I was down for a few minutes but my teammates pushed me up. I was the lucky one,” said Ingreso, who was named as man of the match.
Ingreso, however, never gave up. He made up for his mistake by heading the equalizer in from Iain Ramsay’s beautiful cross.
“It’s not often I score a goal with my head. I was crying, the tears came out, the players were telling me that they knew I have character and I stepped forward, try to do my best to make it even,” he said.
Skipper Phil Younghusband contributed to the historic night by hitting his 50th international goal in the 90th minute, which also completed the comeback.
The Tajiks were penalized for a handball and Younghusband, who has been with the national team for a decade, nailed the penalty kick.
“The feeling of going to the Asian Cup, that’s what matters to me. It was about getting the win. I can’t believe the work everyone’s put in for this moment. It’s all worth it,” he said.
Azkals finished Group F of the Qualifiers undefeated with 12 points from three wins and as many as draws. Head coach Thomas Dooley even said that this squad is the best ever that the Philippines had for creating history.
“These are the guys who made history tonight, those are the best players we have at the moment in the Philippines. I am really really proud of these guys,” Dooley said.
via Business Mirror / Lance Agcaoili
