Philippine Azkals win Gold Cup debut

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals bared their teeth in a 3-1 disposal of Laos as they kicked off their campaign in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup on a fiery note Wednesday at Sylhet Zila Stadium in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Kaya Iloilo’s Jovin Bedic, Ateneo standout Jarvey Gayoso and skipper Misagh Bahadoran delivered the offensive firepower as the Azkals hurdled their opening assignment in Group B and assured themselves of a spot in the semis.

The Pinoy booters next face host Bangladesh (also with three points following its 1-0 edging of the Laotians last Oct. 1), for the No. 1 position in the group going to the Last-4.

Ranked 65 places higher, the Filipinos showed their quality against Laos and seized a 3-nil upperhand to clear the way for the comprehensive win.

The Azkals opened scoring in the 44th as Bedic was fouled in the Laotian box and the Iloilo star calmly took the spot kick and drilled it home.

Gayoso, son of former Ginebra cager Jayvee, scored his maiden goal for the senior team – a header off a cross from the left flank – to double the Azkals’ lead eight minutes after restart.

Azkal returnee Bahadoran, who last played for Malaysian side Perak PA, put the game beyond reach when he cashed in on his 82nd-minute penalty off a handball by the Laotian defense.

However, Phl XI couldn’t complete the shutout as Laos was awarded a spot kick in the 88th, and Phithack Kongmathilath sent Azkals stopper Louie Casas the wrong way for the consolation goal.

The Azkals, whose stint in Bangladesh is handled by assistant coach Anto Gonzales, are using this six-nation tourney as part of buildup for next month’s Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup as well as next year’s Asian Cup.