Members of the Philippine Azkals 7s.
SHAH ALAM, Malaysia—The Philippine Azkals downed host Malaysia, 4-3, late Thursday to open their campaign unbeaten after two matches in Group B of the Asia 7s Championship at EV Arena here.
Former national team captain Stephan Schrock delivered the winning goal during the comeback period as the Azkals won the match that was not just a back-and-forth battle but also had its share of tense moments.
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The Azkals actually led 3-2 after two periods after Mark Hartmann scored a go-ahead goal, but tournament organizers are implementing a comeback period where Malaysia must score two goals to steal the victory.
The game also saw Daisuke Sato getting sent off with a straight red after figuring in an altercation with a Malaysian counterpart during the second period.
Malaysia actually tied it up during that period, but Schrock made sure the Philippines would come away victorious by coming through with the winning goal.
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Earlier, the Philippines began its title bid with a 6-1 win over Hong Kong, a match that was delayed for an hour due to lightning and heavy downpour in one of the two pitches located in Elmina in this city.
The Azkals are scheduled to face India as of posting time before heading to the quarterfinals to face a team from Group B, depending on the placings at the end of the classification round.
Schrock, Misagh Bahadoran, Sato and Hartmann are part of the Azkals squad along with goalkeeper Kenry Balobo, Ivan Ouano, Andres Aldeguer, Patrick Grogg, Jed Matthew Francisco, Elijhone Rasonable, MJ Libre, Yrick Gallantes, Joshua Jalog, Arnel Amita and Amir Aningalan.