WINNING MOMENT. Team Azkals celebrate after a goal in a Fifa-sanctioned friendly match with Nepal at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night. PHOTO BY RICHARD REYES
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines overwhelmed Nepal, 4-0, Tuesday in a Fifa-sanctioned home friendly where the inspired Younghusband brothers shone.
Star stiker Phil Younghusband netted his second goal in the 54th minute which gave the Azkals a 3-0 lead after he opened the scoring for the Philippines with a well-placed hit in the 17th minute off a pass from Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders.
His brother James, meanwhile, connected on a long shot in the 28th minute to double the lead.
Fil-English Matthew Hartmann capped the assault for the Azkals with a goal in the 88th minute before an appreciative crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, meanwhile, kept a clean sheet with his timely saves against Nepal’s attempts.
James Younghusband takes a goal in a friendly game that Philippine Team Azkals won, 4-0, over Nepal. PHOTO BY RICHARD REYES
But it the Philippines, placed 30 spots lower than Nepal (no. 135) in the Fifa rankings, which was more aggressive side with countless shot on goals.
Home-grown hero Chieffy Caligdong, who scored four goals in the recent Long Teng Cup, wasn’t able to score with several misses including an early attempt in the eighth minute which sailed wide.