PH Azkals 7s set up championship match vs Japan

FILE–Members of the Philippine Azkals 7s. –THE AZKALS FACEBOOK

SHAH ALAM, Malaysia—The Philippine Azkals arranged a title showdown with last year’s winner Japan in the Asia 7s Championship after defeating Hong Kong, 6-1, in a rain-drenched semifinal held Saturday at EV Arena Elmina here.

Mark Hartmann continued his goal-scoring barrage after producing a hat trick as the Azkals repeated their group stage mastery of Hong Kong to progress into the final of the 7-a-side competition.

Arnel Amita scored twice, including the winning goal in the comeback period, as the Philippines get to play Japan Sunday at the same venue.

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Japan downed host Malaysia, 3-0, in the other semis match, to the dismay of the hometown crowd that braved the downpour.

“Japan is going to be difficult. They brought players from their 7-a-side league,” said coach Hamed Hajimehdi. “But we are good too and I think it’s going to be a close game.”

The Azkals won by the same score over Hong Kong last Thursday to begin their campaign in this district located outside of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

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Daisuke Sato made his return from suspension by scoring the opener before Hartmann and Amita shared the scoring responsibilities.

Goalkeeper Kenry Balobo, taking a break from his Philippines Football League duties with Maharlika Taguig to play for the Azkals 7s, made a few good saves and came close to a clean sheet when he conceded Hong Kong’s lone goal in the second half.