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The Philippines kept its qualifying hopes alive after the Filipinos bravely fought defending champion Tajikistan to a scoreless draw in the AFC Challenge Cup Group B Qualifiers yesterday at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
Playing with ten men for most of the match after defender Jason Cordova was ejected in the 21st minute, the Azkals displayed an impenetrable defense which frustrated the visitors time and time again in the intensely physical encounter.
The hometown kid Cordova, was sent off early in the first half after punching Tajikistan striker Khamikov Numondzhon in the face. The action added fuel to the already steaming rivalry resulting in four yellow cards for the defending champions and one for the home side.
Fil-Am defender Anton del Rosario was given a yellow card after getting involved in a scuffle at halftime while the two squads were heading to their respective dugouts.
The draw proved to be a moral victory for the Azkals, who are currently ranked 24 places lower than their opponents in the latest FIFA world rankings. More importantly, it tied them with the Tajiks on points. Tajikistan though, remains ahead on goal difference.
The defending champions had their best chance in the 34th minute but Sohib Savankulov missed his attempt from 20 yards as the ball sailed off the right side of the corner.
The Azkals could have taken the lead three minutes later as Chelsea reserve player and ace striker Phil Younghusband found himself with a clear shot against Tajik goalie Alisher Tuychiev. Younghusband?s shot though, went wide.
