The Azkals were disappointing in their draw with Indonesia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Tuesday.
After controlling the first half, the Philippines couldn’t break through and it was Indonesia who scored first in the second half through Patrick Wanggai, who headed in a Novan Setia cross in the 59th minute.
James Younghusband equalized for the Azkals a minute later as he intercepted a lazy pass from Satrio Syam and the Loyola winger went one-on-one with the keeper to slot in.
It took only two minutes for Indonesia to restore their lead as a hopeful long ball was headed away by Carli De Murga, but fell to Indonesia who knocked the ball to captain Irfan Bachdim. With De Murga out of position after the header he raced through and slotted between Neil Etheridge’s legs in the 61st minute.
The game was marred by a fight which started in the 80th minute, resulting in red cards for the Azkals’ Manny Ott and Chieffy Caligdong while the Indonesian captain and goalscorer, Irfan Bachdim, also received his marching orders.
Once the officials had sorted out all the players who massed together, the Azkals equalized when the free-kick was finally taken. Dennis Cagara whipped in the free-kick deep and James Younghusband knocked the ball back to his brother Phil who volleyed into the back of the net.
The Azkals were favorites for the game and controlled much of the match. With only three shots on target though, Indonesia scored twice and their clinical finishing gave them a result against a stronger Azkals side.
The Philippines, meanwhile, will be asking questions as key players such as Neil Etheridge and the Younghusband brothers were left out of the starting lineup. - AMD, GMA News
