Photo: AFF Suzuki Cup
KUALA LUMPUR – The Philippines scrambled to a 3-2 victory over Timor Leste last Saturday night to inch closer to the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup at KL Football Stadium here.
Goals by Phil Younghusband, Martin Steuble and Carlie De Murga put the Azkals comfortably ahead, before the Timorese side struck twice late on to set the stage for a nervy finish.
Azkas defender Paul Mulders conceded a penalty that Timor captain Nataniel Reis duly converted past Michael Falkesgaard, before Joao Pedro completed a swift counterattack to trim the gap to a single goal.
It was the Azkals’ second straight win in Group B, putting them level with Thailand on six points, although the defending champions hold a superior goal difference.
The Thais warmed up for their duel with the Azkals by thrashing Indonesia, 4-2, in Bangkok. The Azkals and War Elephants clash in Bacolod on Wednesday with the winnner sealing entry to the semifinals.