Azkals deliver in Bacolod, beat Mongolia 2-0

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals did not disappoint the thousands of spectators who packed the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City tonight, defeating a spirited Mongolia squad, 2-0, in their highly anticipated AFC Challenge Cup match.

Left winger Emelio Caligdong sank a picture-perfect goal at the 42-minute mark in the first half, sending the extremely partisan crowd to a frenzy. Caligdong's goal, which traveled through the legs of the Mongolian goalkeeper, gave the Philippines a 1-0 lead in a game that was hotly contested in the first 20 minutes.

The Azkals banked on a steady defense in the second half, giving the Mongolians a hard time getting steady ball possession while unloading a series of offensive barrages that puzzled the visiting squad.

Mongolia was hounded by several bad breaks in the game, the most crucial of which was the loss of two players due to disqualification and injury, respectively. One of their players was ejected from the game after getting three yellow cards while the other was taken out on a stretcher after suffering an injury, bringing their on-field roster to nine players.

Phil Younghusband sealed the win for the Filipinos with a straight kick at the closing minutes to cap an evening of merrymaking for local football fans and spectators.