Azkals’ 4-0 loss to Palestine dents Asian Cup hopes

FILE–Philippine Azkals in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. –AZKALS PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines took a big blow in its bid to secure a second appearance in the AFC Asian Cup on Tuesday.

With a chance to qualify for next year’s continental meet at stake, the Philippine Azkals suffered a 4-0 setback at the hands of Palestine in Group B at MFF Stadium in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The Azkals gave up two goals in the first half with Saleh Chihadeh and Tamer Seyam coming through for Palestine in the 31st and 42nd minute, respectively.

Mohammed Yameen quickly added to the Azkals’ woes with a header in the 55th minute before Mahmoud Abu Warda put the match out of reach in the 72nd.

The win propelled Palestine, which tops its group at 2-0, to its third straight Asian Cup.

The Azkals were coming off a thrilling 1-0 win over Mongolia courtesy of Gerrit Holtman on Saturday but couldn’t ride their momentum against Palestine.

With the loss, the Azkals are stuck with four points after a goalless draw against Yemen in their third round opener on Wednesday.