Phil Younghusband FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Phil Younghusband needed only nine minutes to score a hattrick.
Younghusband shone for the Philippines anew as it led the Azkals to a 4-0 lead over Cambodia in the first half of Group E Qualifying of the AFC Challenge Cup at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium Sunday night.
Younghusband started off his scoring binge with a short strike inside the box in the 25th minute before coming through anew six minutes after on a curler.
With Cambodia struggling to get into any groove, Younghusband pounced on the visitors with a header in the 34th minute before assisting on a goal by Fil-Spanish Javier Patino.
With four goals in, the Azkals put themselves on track to match if not eclipse Turkmenistan’s 7-0 win over Cambodia last Friday.
The match was interrupted with a power outage late in the first half with the official time stopping at 45:11.