INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines gave up early goals and never recovered as it yielded to a high-caliber United Arab Emirates side, 0-4, in a friendly early Sunday (Manila time) at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The Azkals, who came off a 3-1 win over Pakistan in the PH Peace Cup last October, just couldn’t quite keep up with UAE, which opened up a 2-0 edge in the first half.
UAE, ranked no.71 in the world, sustained its stellar play with Ismaeil Matar and Ali Mabkhout putting the finishing touches with two more goals in the second half.
The Philippines now turn its sights on India for another friendly on November 15 in Chennai.
It would’ve been a more one-sided affair if not for goalkeeper Ed Sacapaño’s timely saves especially in the early goings.
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