Azkals settle to a draw with Maldives

TEAM Philippines settled with a 1-1 draw with Maldives in its final Group A match in the joint FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifiers on June 15 at the Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah, UAE.

Maldives tested the Philippines’ defense early in the match with an attempt by Hamzath Mohamed that was denied by Azkals goalie Bernd Schipmann. The Azkals, however, retaliated and hit the back of the net with a volley by veteran striker Angel Guirado in the 19th minute.

But the Philippines’ lead was short-lived as Ali Fasir scored the equalizer in the 25th minute. He beat defenders Jefferson Tabinas and Justin Baas to score the equalizer.

Azkals head coach Scott Copper made some huge changes in the second half and subbed in Kevin Ray Mendoza for Schipmann, Martin Steuble for Mark Winhoffer and Mike Ott for Guirado.

The Philippines’ adjustment worked well with Stephan Schröck and Mark Hartmann causing all sorts of trouble for Maldives. But somehow the Azkals couldn’t score the winning goal.

The Philippines finished in third place in Group A with 11 points, while Maldives ended up at fourth with seven points.

The Philippines didn’t advance in the FIFA World Cup qualifier but will advance to the Group Stage of the AFC Asia Cup.