MB Azkals fight for survival against Palestine Wednesday

(MB) MANILA, Philippines — After blowing away a golden chance to win their opening game against Myamar, the Philippine Azkals are now in a must-win situation when they tangle with group leader Palestine in Day 2 of the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup Wednesday at the Thuwunna Stadium in Rangoon.

The 5 p.m. match is of utmost importance for the Azkals, who need to win their remaining two games – the other against Bangladesh on Friday – to stay in the hunt for one of the two berths at stake in the main draw next year.

The Azkals, who were held to a 1-1 draw Monday night, are tied with Myanmar at second with one point each in the four-nation Group A.

Palestine, which romped to a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh also last Monday, leads the group with three points. A win is equivalent to three points while a draw one.

The top two teams at the end of the single round group elimination will advance, along with other top two finishers in three Groups B, C and D in the Elite 8 finals next year.

Myanmar takes on Bangladesh in the second game at 7:30 p.m.

A victory over Palestine will put the Filipinos on top of the group with four points although Myanmar can also forge a tie for the top spot should it dump Bangladesh in the second game. A defeat for the Filipinos and a win by Myanmar, however, will put the Philippines on the brink of elimination as Palestine will earn another three points entering the last playdate on Friday.

The Azkals found themselves on retreat for most part of the early goings opposite and aggresive Myanmar side until an opportunity presented itself when Kyaw Zin Htet was redcarded in the second half.

Filipino-British James Younghusband did not squander the opportunity, converting the resulting penalty kick in the 76th minute that sparked wild celebration among a tiny group of Filipinos in the 32,000-seater venue.

But the party proved to be short-lived.

Defender Khin Maung Lwin, benefiting from a free kick off a foul by Azkals’ Simon Greatwich, hit the equalizer deep in injury time.

It was a frustrating moment for the Azkals as the shot went around the wall and sped past goalie Neil Etheridge, who was successful thwarting a string of headers early on.

The Azkals are expected to keep a close watch on Murad Eleyan who scored a brace – in the 46th and 65th minutes – in the Palestine's latest win.

Meanwhile, the replay of PH-Myanmar match will be shown on Studio 23 from 10:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Wednesday.