PH Azkals blank Guam in Asian Cup qualifiers

Philippine Azkals in the locker room ahead of the match vs Guam. AZKALS PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines cruised to a 3-0 win over Guam and solidified its hold of third place in Group A of the joint Fifa World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers late Friday at Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.

Angel Guirado gave the Azkals an early lead, slotting home Oliver Bias’ pass in the 12th minute.

The Azkals then took a 2-0 lead courtesy of an own goal from Guam defender Marcus Lopez in the 60th minute.

Mark Hartmann then converted from a free kick opportunity in the 88th minute to put the match to bed.

The Philippines now has 10 points in Group A with a 3-1-3 (win-draw-loss) card behind second place China which has 13 points on a 4-1-1 record.

A victory later for China over the Maldives would give the Philippines a spot in the third round of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The Azkals lost to China 2-0 on Tuesday.

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