Philippines bows to Turkmenistan, fails to reach AFC Challenge Cup finals

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines yielded two goals in the last 10 minutes and fell to Turkmenistan, 1-2, Friday in the semifinals of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Crucial defensive lapses from the Azkals side paved the way for Tukrmen star Arlsanmyrat Amanov’s goal in the 80th minute and Gahryman Chonkayev’s go-ahead, close range effort in the 85th minute.

The Philippines, who reached the semifinals for the first time in history, failed to advance to the finals of the tournament.

Phil Younghusband, who hiked up his international goal tally to 22, opened the scoring for the Philippines early with a header off Paul Mulder’s fine cross in the 25th minute.

But that was the last the Azkals would score, and countless shots on goals – courtesy of Jason De Jong, Lexton Moy, among others, in the second half – were easily parried by Turkmenistan’s goalkeeper.

Philippines’ keeper Neil Etheridge was sent off in the 92nd minute after his game-long brilliance at the goal, adding woes to the last ditch rally of the Azkals.

Turkmenistan had a chance to equalize the match in the first half, but Gahrymanberdi Çoňkaýew’s goal was ruled offside.

The Turkmens will face the victor of North Korea vs Palestine match while the Azkals have a chance to bring home third place on Sunday.