Singapore eliminates Azkals U-23 in Asian Cup Qualifiers

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

A heartbreaking 1-0 loss from the Singaporeans halted the PH Azkals Under-23’s ultimate goal of an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup berth.

Eager to avoid a 0-2 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers start, the young Azkals squad came to battle and competed hard against the Singaporeans but the lone goal of the match at the 51^st minute made the difference for Singapore.

The Azkals deployed a decent and effective defensive gameplan in the first half as the Singaporean attack struggled to get past PH’s backline.

Yrick Gallantes, Miguel Mendoza, Mark Winhoffer, Justin Baas, and Oskari Kekkonen all put out solid defensive plays to lift the PH spirit before the second half kicked off.

However, six minutes after the second-half whistle, Singaporean superstar striker Glenn Kweh drove past the Azkals defense and swished in a sensational goal that also proved to be the game-winner.

The Philippines actually had their chance of converting a goal at the 22^nd minute-mark when Azkals team captain Oliver Bias went for a penalty kick but the attempt hit the bar and kept the match deadlocked at 0.

The loss put the Azkals at last place of Group H with 0 registered points and a -4 goal difference while Singapore finished at second place with 4 points.

PH will have the chance to end their campaign on a high note as they take on the Timor Leste U-23 squad on Sunday, October 31.