Azkals lose match but advance to group stage with 3-2 aggregate score

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV The stingy Azkals defense came into play in the second half as they denied Mongolia any more goals to seal their advance into the next round, with Myanmar as the first opponent, on March 21. Despite the 1-2 loss to the Mongolia Blue Wolves Tuesday in the second leg of their AFC Challenge Cup pre-qualifying match in freezing Ulan Bator, the Azkals enjoyed an aggregate 3-2 lead courtesy of their 2-0 win in the first leg played in Bacolod last month. "We managed to get thru despite the torturously cold condition. Would have wanted the win, but this will have to do. For now. On to Myanmar," said Azkals team manager Dan Palami on his Twitter account. Despite the freezing temperature, the Azkals came out smoking, with James Younghusband scoring at the three-minute mark. But the Blue Wolves equalized with a goal from Donorov Lumbengarav on the 22nd minute. The Blue Wolves got their 2nd goal on the 33rd minute when keeper Ed Sacapaño only managed to block a penalty kick, with Mongolia's Bayasgalan scoring on a follow-up. The Azkals are scheduled to return to Manila on Wednesday and will only have a one-day rest before heading to Myanmar for the group stages of the AFC Challenge Cup. They will next face Myanmar (March 21), Palestine (March 23) and Bangladesh (March 25) in Group A where the top two teams in the four groups will advance in the quarterfinals. The top eight teams are also qualified to bid in hosting the finals. PNoy's statement on Azkals' victory The Filipino people stand united in congratulating our Philippine Azkals on their 3-2 aggregate win against the Mongolian football team during their prequalifying playoff match for the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup. This is a victory borne out of the constant striving for excellence of our very own Azkals. Their excellence is not borne of luck, but of the perseverance that characterizes true athletes: discipline, cooperation, teamwork. Along with their sportsmanship, these values continue to provide a rallying point for our countrymen. They symbolize our nation’s new era of transformation, in which our people stand at the cusp of greater glory on the world stage. The Azkals can remain assured of the support and the encouragement of the Filipino people as they continue on to the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers. - KY, JVP, GMA News