Games on Thursday (ISC field)
3:30 p.m.—Tajikistan vs. Philippines (Barotac Nuevo Football Plaza)
3:30 p.m.—Bhutan vs. Brunei
ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Emelio Caligdong has played through so many heartbreaking matches for the Philippines. That’s why he waxes sentimental when his designation as the new captain of the team is discussed.
“Win or lose, I always think about my country when I play,” he said with a tinge of emotion in his voice. “But I always stay positive. I know the sacrifices will pay off.”
The irrepressible Caligdong’s remarkable work ethic and skill proved the difference Tuesday as the Philippines posted a 1-0 victory over a scrappy Brunei squad at the start of Group B action in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifying Tournament at the soggy Iloilo Sports Complex here.
“I have to lead by example and I think that is what I did,” Caligdong, who scored the decisive goal in the 29th minute by sliding in Chris Greatwich’s effort that was stopped by water in front of the goal.
The scoreline, however, was flattering for the Bruneians, who pulled men back, opting to go on a counter-attack if the opportunity presented.
The Philippines, a 4-1 winner in its last meeting with Brunei in Bacolod City two years ago, proved to be the dominating side and if not for the crossbar, which denied Caligdong, Joebel Bermejo, Chad Gould and Ian Araneta once, it would have sealed the match early on.
The Filipinos could have also doubled their advantage in the 71st minute but Phil Younghusband’s penalty—after substitute striker Ian Araneta was fouled inside the area by Yussof Yassin—was parried by Azman Noor.
Philippine coach Norman Fegidero hailed his squad’s performance, but remained cautious when asked about his team’s chances against defending champion Tajikistan, a 3-1 winner over Bhutan in Barotac Nuevo town.
“It was a good result for us. But it is going to be different against Tajikistan,” the former national player said in the post-match press conference.
“It should have been 6-0 against Brunei but the condition of the pitch made it difficult for us to attack,” Fegidero said.
Caligdong, a member of the ASEAN Championship Philippines teams in 2002, 2004 and 2006, added: “It was a good match for us in preparation for Tajikistan.”
The Bruneians’ best chance came a minute into first-half of injury time when a defensive mix-up allowed Ramlee Awangku to break away from Aly Borromeo and Bermejo, only to be foiled by debuting goalkeeper Neil Etheridge in a one-on-one situation.
Borromeo also made a crucial defensive stop on Awangku 10 minutes earlier when he slid in to stop the Brunei striker from getting a clear path on goal, who had already eluded Jason Cordova.
