Azkals lost to Turkmenistan, 1-2

The Philippine Football Team Azkals suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Turkmenistan this Friday at their semifinal match at the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Azkals, playing without key players Angel Guirado, James Younghusband and Jason Sabio, lost to Turkmenistan, 1-2 at full-time.

The Azkals enjoyed an early lead with a header by Striker Phil Younghusband in the 25th minute. However, the Turkmenistan Green Men showed tremendous character as they dominated the midfield and continue to attack the goal. They tied the game in the 80th minute and sealed the victory with another goal in the 85th minute. To make matters worse, goalkeeper Neil Etheridge received a red card and was ejected from the game a few minutes before the game ends.

The Azkals played without the services of James Younghusband and Angel Guirado, who each incurred their second yellow card in their match with Tajikistan. Another player, Jason Sabio, was also forced to sit out the Turkmenistan match due to a knee injury.

But it was a great run for the Azkals considering that they toppled two former champions on their way to the semifinals. They beat 2008 champion India and 2006 titlist Tajikistan.

The Philippine team has never won a title in international football competition.
The last time the Philippines reached the finals was in 1925 in the Far Eastern Games wherein the country finished in second place.

The Azkals will face Palestine on Monday for the third place. Palestine bowed to defending champion North Korea in the other semifinal clash, 2-0.