Azkals stun North Korea behind late goals

Manny Ott celebrates late goal. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The Philippines ended its 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign in style, shocking North Korea, 3-2, Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Missing key fixtures in the match, the Azkals still were able to pull off the miracle against the fancied Korean side.

Misagh Bahadoran scored the opening goal on a header following a deflected attempt from Javier Patiño at the 43rd minute.

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However, So Kyung Jin immediately leveled the score just before the half.

Misagh Bahadoran scores a goal. photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

North Korea continued to pounce on the Azkals in the second half, with Ri Hyok Chol scrapping for the goal on a wild sequence to give his side the lead at the 48th minute.

But the Azkals kept on pushing, firing exquisite passes which led to a Manny Ott goal at the 84th minute and a stunning Iain Ramsey goal at the 90th.

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The Azkals ended the second round at third place in Group H with 10 points after three wins and a draw in eight games, putting them in a prime position to advance to the AFC Cup third round.

North Korea, meanwhile, saw its bid for the group’s top spot derailed as it stayed in second place with 16 points on five wins and a draw.