Azkals, Nepalese play to 0-0 draw

MANILA, Philippines — History wasn’t meant to be made yesterday as the misfiring Philippine Azkals were held to a scoreless draw by nothing-to-lose Nepal in their Asian Cup Qualifiers duel at ANFA Stadium in Kathmandu.

A win away from booking a milestone stint in Asia’s premier competition, the Filipinos furiously went for the marginal goal – and up until the final offensive they were actually in play – but just couldn’t get the job done and settled for the split spoils with Nepal.

With this bungled opportunity, the Pinoy booters must beat Tajikistan in the last day of the Group F group play in March 2018 in Bacolod to secure a spot in Asia’s football showpiece and complete their date with destiny.

As things stand, the Azkals remained on top of Group F with nine points on two wins and three draws but either Yemen or Tajikistan, each with six, can wrest the lead if a victor emerged in their showdown over in Tajikistan last night. Nepal picked up its second point.