The Philippine Azkals grinded out a 2-1 away victory over Central Asian foes Kyrgyzstan yesterday evening in Bishkek almost six months after playing their last game that also ended triumphantly against North Korea at home.
The Filipinos relied on solid defending as the hosts bombarded nearly all throughout the encounter. Dominating the passage of play, Kyrgyzstan piled the pressure on the Azkals for much of the first half, but their inability to punish the visitors was evident by the way they spurned their opportunities. Adding to their misery was the top form of veteran Philippine goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who was alert enough to deal with a series of attacks from the Kyrgyz front line. The first choice Walsall FC netminder flexed promptly in multiple occasions to deny their opponents an opening goal. The home side went on to rue their chances as they slipped behind just a couple of minutes before halftime.
Ceres-La Salle’s Kevin Ingreso recorded his first international goal in magnificent fashion as the midfielder took a brilliant kick just outside the box coming from a set up tailored by Phil Younghusband’s set piece. It proved to be enough in separating the sides at the break, leaving Kyrgyzstan very frustrated entering the second half.
The men in red’s desire to get back in level terms became apparent towards the early minutes of the second half. So much to such a point that the Filipinos pounced on a groggy Kyrgyz defending seven minutes into the second period. Receiving a neat diagonal ball, Iain Ramsay continued the sequence with a fine cross towards Junior Muñoz. Impressively, the debutant provided another deft piece of touch to flick the ball with his head towards Misagh Bahadoran who had the glorious job of tapping the ball into the net.
At 2-0, the Azkals got a much-needed breathing room to fend off the Kyrgyz attacking siege that practically lasted the entire remainder of the game. It was a comfort they ended up needing as the Central Asians pulled one back just before the hour mark. Vitalij Lux circumvented the offside trap before slotting with composure past the helpless Etheridge.
The last 30 minutes of play provided an entertaining exchange of chances from both teams, with Kyrgyzstan still able to produce a lot more than their Southeast Asian counterparts. They got close to salvaging a draw but Etheridge had other plans as his penalty save at the 89th minute, paired by a similarly important save in stoppage time, sealed a welcome win for Thomas Dooley’s Azkals. Unlike in this international break window, the Philippines will be at home in October and November with Kyrgyzstan playing away as the Azkals warm up for the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup.
