The Azkals open their Bangabandhu Gold Cup campaign with a victory

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Despite fielding what could be a weaker squad compared to the once expected to suit up for the upcoming 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup, The Philippine Azkals won convincingly against a pertinent Laos side via three goals to one to open their Bangabandhu Gold Cup campaign on a high note. 

Right from the get-go, the Azkals wearing white were already on the offensive as they tried to catch the opposition napping. On the 14th minute of the match, Azkals returnee Misagh Bahadoran almost sneaked in a goal from the scramble but his attempt went straight to the keeper.

On the 18th minute, the men in white saw a bigger opportunity through a free kick but Hikaru Minigeshi put his shot over the bar. For over 30 minutes into the match, the Philippines were on the offensive side by keeping the pressure over Laos. Looking for a sight of goal, Laos got their long-awaited attempt on the 36th minute but Louie Casas showed he’s still at the top of his game. He made another save on the 40th minute to keep Laos at bay.

Just as the half was coming to a close, Philippines went for a push two minutes before the end of the first half. Jovin Bedic broke past the defence before being clipped by the defender inside the box. He was then given the chance to take the spot kick which he eased past the keeper for his first international goal in his third appearance for the country.

Right out of the gates on the second half, the men in red wanted to show that they are not backing down. On the 48th minute, Laos broke the Philippines’ defence but their attempt went wayward. They also shifted their focus on eliminating the threats by the likes of Bedic by roughing him up on the 51st minute.

The Azkals then pulled away on the 53rd minute as Jarvey Gayoso slotted his first international goal for the senior squad through a header. Hikaru Minigeshi swung the ball into the box and found Gayoso’s head who then nodded it past the keeper to keep a safe distance against Laos.

Not wanting to go down without a fight, Laos put on a more offensive approach on the game to force Casas into another save on the 67th minute of the match. Things shifted from bad to worst for Laos as they were called for another infraction inside the box, this time through a handball. National team skipper Bahadoran stepped up to take the penalty which he slotted calmly on the left side to grab the all-important insurance goal.

As the Azkals were stepping off the gas, Laos caught them napping and won themselves a penalty as Minigeshi put on a strong challenge on Phithack Kongmathilath. Kongmathilath stepped up to take the penalty kick who then slotted it past Casas. Credit for Casas though as he was able to guess the path of the ball but it was just simply higher and a lot faster than he’d expect it to be.

With that goal, Laos got their consolation goal and the win sends the Azkals straight to the semifinals where they will be going up against either Bangladesh or Tajikistan. The line-up was not expected to be this strong yet they showed everybody that even for second stringers, they have a lot under their tank to perform for the nation.

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4 thoughts on “The Azkals open their Bangabandhu Gold Cup campaign with a victory”

  1. Just because the 1/2 became coming to a close, philippines went for a push minutes before the end of the primary half of. Jovin bedic broke beyond the defence earlier than being clipped through the defender within the container. He become then given the chance to take the spot kick which he eased past the keeper for his first international purpose in his third appearance for the usa.The road-up changed into now not anticipated to be this strong but they confirmed all people that even for second stringers, they’ve a lot beneath their tank to carry out for the nation.

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