AZKALS made history by making it to AFC Challenge Cup semis

Victorious Philippine AZKALS won 2-0 over Tajikistan

The Philippine Azkals (PHI) has survived the champion-filled group composed of previous AFC Challenge cup champions DPR Korea(2010), India(2008) and Tajikistan(2006). Tonight's win over Tajikistan has sealed their fate to the final four and made football history which will reflect on their current FIFA rankings to a higher slot.

The Azkals bowed to 2010 AFC Champion - DPR Korea with score (2:0) last Friday, March 9. DPR Korea were crowned champs for 2010 beating Turkmenistan with a score of 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.
The Philippine team made a comeback battling it with India last Sunday, March 11 ending up victorious with them scoring 2 and India nil. The Indian coach commented, "We had performed solid game in SAFF Championship held last year", Coach Medeira said, "But I couln't see the same spirit from the boys for this Championship. The team lacked killer instinct. I am suprised to see boy going down to this level".

The final battle with Tajikistan was nearly frustrating with some uncalled violations, a lot of yellow cards thrown at our players and a questionable goal on the last minute before halftime.

The winds changed on the 54th minute when Angel Guirado stole the ball from the Tajiks passed the ball to Phil Younghusband and kicked the ball to an open goal.

The equalizer strengthened the spirits of the team and defense of the Philippines and had more ball possession percentage. Paul Maulders and Phil had close encounters for a second goal but it was Angel Guirado who went straight near the goal and scored. That goal sealed the deal for a semifinal slot with them facing Turkmenistan on Friday.