INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Needing a win to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup and a place in local sports history, the Azkals did both by defeating Bangladesh, 3-0 in the group stages.
Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado peppered Bengal's keeper in the 54th and 80th minute after Iloilo striker Ian Araneta kickstarted the assault for the Azkals in the 41st minute.
Palestine leads group A with 7 points while the Azkals came in second with 5 points, with each win equivalent to three points and a draw, one point.
A win was all that the Azkals needed after ending their first two games in 1-1 and scoreless draws against the host, Myanmar, and Palestine respectively.
Another draw would have eliminated the Azkals and sent Bangladesh through to the next round.
Only the top two teams will advance and join India, Maldives, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan which have already qualified from their respective groups.
The Azkals’ win marks the first time that a Philippine football team has qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup.
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