By Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - Myanmar scored a late goal in stoppage time to deny the Philippine Azkals a victory and precious 3 points in their match on Monday.
James Younghusband's penalty around the 70th-minute mark earlier seemed enough for the Azkals to clip the tournament hosts.
The Azkals' opponents were reduced to 10 men after one of the Myanmar players was sent off.
However, with clock winding down, the Myanmarese pulled off an escape.
Before the Philippines scored its goal, Neil Etheridge led the Azkals in fending off Myanmar's attacks.
Etheridge was a commanding presence inside the box in the first period, snuffing out at least 7 goalscoring attempts by the Azkals' opponents.
The Philippines, however, had a penalty shout denied by referee.
Myanmar dominated possession in the first half, with the Philippines pinned back on defense.
The hosts used their wingers, particularly Pai Soe, to create problems for the Azkals.
Philippines gaffer Hans Michael Weiss earlier said that the Azkals will use a defense-minded and counterattacking ploy because the match is being played on Myanmar’s home turf.
After missing the Mongolia game, Fulham's Etheridge was called up to the starting 11 to reinforce the back line.
Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Guirado Aldeguer also made his debut in the team.
The others in Philippines' starting XI were Rob Gier, Anton Del Rosario, Roel Gener, Ray Jonsson, Simon Greatwich, Alexander Borromeo, James Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, and Ian Araneta.
On the substitute's bench were Sacapaño, Espinosa, Hinrichsen, Margarse, Sabio, and Tuason.
Weiss pulled out Araneta at the start of the second half, replacing him with striker Yanti Barsales.
The match kicked off the Azkals' AFC Challenge Cup group stage campaign.
The Philippines last met Myanmar in the AFF Suzuki Cup. The match ended in a goalless draw.
ABS-CBN and the Philippine Football Federation tried to get permission to broadcast live from Myanmar.
However, despite repeated requests, Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV), the government station which will cover the event, did not get the permit from higher authorities to beam the matches live via satellite to the Philippines.
"Negotiations are now underway for the broadcast rights and tape copies of MRTV's coverage of the Azkals' matches in Yangon," ABS-CBN Sports said.
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