SEA Games: Dennis Chung gets an Azkals debut to remember

Philippines Dennis Chung, center, celebrates after scoring a goal against Cambodia during their Group A Football match at the 30th South East Asian Games in Manila, Philippines on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. The Philippines is hosting the SEA games which officially starts Nov. 30 – Dec. 11. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

MANILA, Philippines–Starting the game on the bench, Dennis Chung knew he had to prove himself in his debut for the Philippines’ Under-22 side seeing action in the men’s football tournament in the Southeast Asian Games.

His introduction to the Young Azkals couldn’t have been any better.

Chung struck the equalizer deep in stoppage time, rescuing the young Azkals in their tournament opener against Cambodia on Monday night and making him the latest toast of Philippine football.

Born to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, Chung said the minutes leading to his goal were a blur.

“Actually, I didn’t hear anything as I was just so focused,” Chung admits when he came into the match with the Azkals down by a goal against the Cambodians.

“It was my debut and I didn’t imagine scoring the equalizer.”

Chung grew up in Germany where he played Hertha Berlin’s youth side and was recommended by one of Azkals’ management scouts to the team.

“It’s funny when he came on, I told him you’re quick so when you have the chance inside the 16-yard box, you just turn and shoot because I had the feeling the Cambodians don’t have much left in them,” said Azkals captain Stephan Schrock.

“He’s a really quick and agile player.”

Schrock was also involved in the buildup to the goal, finding Yrick Gallantes with a pass at the edge of the penalty box.

Gallantes’ lovely first touch set up Chung perfectly for the first-time effort that rolled into the bottom corner, sending the Rizal Memorial Stadium crowd into pandemonium.

“I just went in there and did what I had to do,” said Chung, whose mother hails from Camiguin. “It’s a great honor to play for the flag.”