THE PHILIPPINE Azkals look like they have their work cut out for them one week to go before the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Azkals prevailed over a youthful Cambodian side, 3-0, Friday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium in their final tuneup match before the prestigious tournament.
But while the Azkals, who face Laos on Saturday at the start of the Suzuki Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam, did just enough to repulse the visitors, they were also fortunate not to have conceded two goals in a second half where their defensive problems came to the fore.
Striker Phil Younghusband found the back of the net for the 40th time for the national team late in the second half after spurning several clear-cut chances earlier in the match.
An in-form Manny Ott fired his first international goal just five minutes after Daisuke Sato launched a long-range rocket that Cambodian keeper Sou Yati failed to keep out in the 13th minute.
Ott was quickest to react to a saved effort by Younghusband, bundling it home from close range.
“I was happy with the game overall, but I am concerned about our defense,” Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said. “We’ll talk about what we need to change, so the players can adjust.”
Rob Gier limped off in the 30th minute due to a tight hamstring with Juani Guirado coming in to replace him.