Phil Younghusband powers Azkals to first-ever victory over India in AFC Challenge Cup

Phil Younghusband powered the Philippine Azkals to a 2-0 upset of the 2008 champions India Blue Tigers in last Sunday’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup 2012 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal .

It was the first time in Philippine football history that the Philippines won against India .

Both countries met for the first time in 1971 via the AFC Challenge Cup, wherein the Philippines bowed to India, 1-5. They met again in 1996 in the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup qualifiers, wherein India blanked Philippines, 2-0. In 2006, the Philippines was able to draw India at 1-all in another AFC Challenge Cup meeting.

The win put the Philippines in tie with Tajikistan, whom they will meet this afternoon in a do-or-die match, at second place behind defending champions DPR Korea with three points apiece and holding similar 1-0-1 (win-draw-loss) records.

A third goal would have given the Philippines an advantage. Instead,  both countries will be under pressure as the match will determine who will join DPR Korea into the semifinal round.

MINUS KEY

PLAYERS

The Philippines was playing with four of its players slapped with yellow cards in Neil Etheridge, James Younghusband, Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado.

India, on the other hand, was missing top scorer Jeje Lalpekhula because of an injury.

Inserting team captain Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong and Rob Gier to the first 11 lineup, the Azkals started out aggressively.

A long throw from Jason Sabio paved the way for the Azkals’ first goal as James Younghusband, who was at the center of the penalty box, flicked the ball with his head to his younger brother Phil at the far left of the field for a goal in the 10th minute.

The Philippines fortified its defense by not giving India space to set up its own attack and Caligdong’s speed making trouble for India at the back.

In the second half, India started showing its desperation by starting strong but the Blue Tigers’ passing became more erratic.

In the 73rd minute, the Younghusbands performed the one-touch pass to perfection that resulted into Phil Younghusband scoring his second goal in the game and his 20th for the team.

The Azkals tried to make it three but had to settle for two as time run out.