BACOLOD CITY – Despite the 2-1 setback against Chinese Taipei on Friday, the Philippine Azkals had another chance to retain its Philippine Peace Cup title on Tuesday, Oct. 15 when they face Pakistan at the Panaad Park and Stadium here in Bacolod City.
This after Pakistan held Chinese Taipei, 1-nil during a rainy Monday afternoon at the Panaad.
Right after FIFA referee Wilfredo Bermejo blew his whistle for the kick-off; the Pakistani side surged and challenged the tight Chinese Taipei defense. And, their effort paid off as Pakistan’s skipper Zeshan Rehman, who earned his first goal in the national team, sent the ball left of keeper Pan Wei-Chih just inside the box in the 7th minute.
CT tried to run from offensive ploy but the Pakistani defense was too rough even from its midfield area.
In the second half, CT tried hard to look for the possible goal opportunity – with several attempts almost succeed but hit the cross bar instead. “Our players played well, particularly in the second half, when we changed our strategy to engage offensively. And we are happy with it. Unfortunately, we did not score a goal,” said head coach Chen Kuie-Jen during the post-match press conference.
On the part of Pakistan, head coach Mohamed Shamlan that they have to play hard and score when they get the opportunity.
“It’s football and anything is uncertain. Everybody has to play hard on their game,” he added.
When asked, how they will take the Philippines on Tuesday, he said that it depends on the whether condition. We will see,” he said.
