Azkals draw Indians

THE PHILIPPINES wrapped up its last international camp for the year by salvaging a 1-1 draw against  India Friday night in a friendly at Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri,India.

Phil Younghusband saved the Azkals’ blushes with a 43rd minute strike that came just moments after India skipper Sunil Chhetri gave the home side the lead with a header.

Stephan Schrock and James Younghusband spurned golden opportunities in a second half dominated by the Azkals, who lost to the United Arab Emirates, 4-0, last Saturday.

Seeking to avenge their 0-2 loss to the Azkals in the AFC Challenge Cup final tournament in Nepal last year, the hosts grabbed the lead in the 42nd minute when Chhetri  headed home a Mehtab Hossain corner kick.

But Younghusband quickly responded with a close range strike that beat Karanjit Singh, raising his goal total to 34 from 53 appearances with the national side.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss said he was satisfied with the performance of the Azkals, who are preparing for the AFC Challenge Cup slated in the Maldives next year. Cedelf P. Tupas