Rout of Brunei keeps Azkals afloat

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

The Philippine Azkals produced plenty of firsts in winning their home debut in the Asean Football Federation Mitsubishi Electric Cup on Friday going into a pair of tough battles in the latter part of the group stage.

A 5-1 thrashing of Brunei before a small-yet-energetic crowd at Rizal Memorial Stadium kept the Azkals’ hopes of sneaking a semifinals berth in Southeast Asia’s premier football competition.

Kenshiro Daniels found the mark anew for the Azkals with an opening goal that set up a redeeming result after falling 3-2 to Cambodia last Tuesday in Phnom Penh.

Sandro Reyes, who was once with the FC Barcelona youth academy, along with fellow Kaya-Iloilo standout Jhan-Jhan Melliza produced their first international goals during the Azkals triumph.

Twenty-year-old Jens Rasmussen, who came off the bench to start the second half, scored twice to complete the Philippines’ successful bid in getting the maximum three points.

—JONAS TERRADO