Azkals maul Guam to solidify hold of 3rd place

MANILA – The Philippine Azkals inched closer to securing a place in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers with a 3-0 win over Guam in the match that was part of the second round of the joint AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Friday night.

A far cry from their 0-2 loss to China early Tuesday (Philippine time), the Azkals played more fluid against a Guamanian squad that was overpowered almost all match long.

Angel Guirado opened the floodgates for the Azkals with a 12th-minute goal off a cross from Oliver Bias.

Guamanian defender Marcus Lopez then faltered right at the hour mark when he failed to clear out a Manny Ott free kick and instead headed the ball into his own goal.

Mark Hartmann, playing off the bench this time, sealed the Azkals' win with an 88th-minute free kick strike.

The Azkals bolstered their hold of third place in Group A with 10 points, four points clear of the Maldives, which was playing China as of posting.

The Azkals will take on the Maldives in their final match for the second round on Tuesday night. (PNA)

 

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