Azkals secure passage to AFC Asian Cup, down Tajikistan, 2-1

Azkals secure passage to AFC Asian Cup, down Tajikistan, 2-1

Azkals secure passage to AFC Asian Cup, down Tajikistan, 2-1

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Manila - The Philippine Azkals made history after booking its maiden trip to the AFC Asian Cup after outclassing Tajikistan, 2-1, on Tuesday evening at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

This is the first time the Philippines has qualified for the prestigious tournament.

There was little to separate both teams after the first half, with the Azkals claiming the lion share of chances through a flurry of corner kicks.

Tajikistan also found clear cut chances to come by in the first 45 minutes, with the two teams going into the halftime interval locked at 0-0.

The game quickly kicked up a gear in the second half, with Tajikistan earning a penalty in the 64th minute through an errant tackle from Kevin Ingreso.

Nazarov Akhtam converted the spot kick to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

The Philippines struck back barely 10 minutes later, with Ingreso atoning for his earlier miscue with a headed goal on the other end, 1-1.


Phil Younghusband and Iain Ramsay combined in the left side, to loft the ball up for Ingreso and get them back in the game.

The game was still on knife's edge after the Philippines' goal, but the hosts were given another chance at the 90th minute.

Phil Younghusband stepped up to take the spot kick, and gave the Azkals an unassailable, 2-1, lead with time running out.

The Philippines move on to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, while Tajikistan awaits the result from the Nepal and Yemen game happening later in the evening.