Azkals hold Malaysians to draw

The Azkals’ new goalkeeper Patrick Deyto shines the brightest against the Malaysians. photo: brosigonzales.blogspot.com

SELAYANG, Selangor—Playing with drive and attacking verve, the Philippines got off to a promising start under coach Thomas Dooley Saturday night as it held an in-form Malaysia side to a scoreless draw at the cauldron-like Selayang Municipal Stadium here.

Flashing an improved passing game and better ball movement, the Azkals took the match to the Malaysians in the early stages, but also rode their luck at crucial moments in a performance hailed by injured midfielder James Young-husband as one of their best.

Dooley only had a couple of weeks to whip the team into shape, but the Azkals, gunning for a spot in the AFC Challenge Cup, responded to the challenge, pressing high and winning and keeping the ball for long stretches.

The Azkals’ performance was a far cry from previous matches against Malaysia when they seemed to run out of ideas when they had possession.

Four first-time starters Dooley fielded four first-time starters, including 24-year-old Patrick Deyto, who delivered with a superb performance that included two world-class saves in the second half.

“I think we started very well. And for us, it was a perfect test because we wanted to play a team that can challenge us so we could see what we needed to work on,” said Dooley, who handed Ruben Doctora, Martin Steuble, Simone Rota and Kenshiro Daniels ample playing time in their debut.

“I saw some great things and saw some things that we needed to work on which we could not do because we did not have a lot of time.”

Goal disallowed

The Azkals created a chance in their first possession, but after a fine 10-minute spell, the Malaysians, preparing for their AFC Asian Cup Qualifying match against Yemen next week, came up with a frantic response, hitting the post twice and getting a goal disallowed for a foul.

Phil Younghusband also had a couple of good chances with the best one coming midway in the second when he forced a low save from Mohd Khalid, after being set up by Jeffrey Christiaens.

Misagh Bahadoran, benefiting from a flowing move, saw his effort blocked at the final moment in the 31st minute, before the match was stopped when a group of Malaysian fans lit up flares and fireworks inside the stadium.

The Azkals had a penalty shot turned down in the second half when substitute Jason de Jong was clipped inside the area after beating a couple of defenders. “As usual it was a tough game against Malaysia, which came in with a really strong team,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.

Developing system

“What’s more important is with even just four sessions together, I could see that a system of play is developing. I think we will certainly get better as the team gets more time together. “I’m also glad that the coach used this opportunity to test our young players.”

The Azkals travel to Dubai for a match against Azerbaijan on Wednesday when Dooley will have the services of Europe-based standouts Stephan Schrock and Jerry Lucena as well as Fil-Spanish striker Javier Patino.