PH Azkals hold higher-ranked Bahrain to scoreless draw

Philippine Azkals . AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — The gritty Philippine men’s football team held high-ranking Bahrain to a scoreless draw Saturday (Manila time) in an international friendly at the Al-Muharraq Club Stadium in Manama.

The Azkals, though, were sharper on the attack, but just lacked the finish — as Dennis Wolf, who once again led the squad, missed on some good chances.

The young guns kept the national squad dangerous all match long as OJ Porteria also could’ve barged into the scoreboard but his shot was saved by the keeper in the 89th minute.

The stalemate was a good result considering Bahrain is enjoying a comfortable gap, at least 30 spots, over the Philippines in the Fifa rankings.

The Azkals, who are on a buildup for the AFF Suzuki Cup, play another tough team, Kuwait, on Tuesday as brothers Phil and James Younghusband and other key players rejoin the squad.