The Philippines opened its AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign with a 2-3 defeat to Cambodia last Tuesday night in Phnom Penh.
The Azkals, four-time semifinalists in the tournament, conceded twice early on at Morodok Techo National Stadium before Kenshiro Daniels struck in each half to level the match at 2-all.
But the hosts regained the advantage through Reung Bunheing’s close range header and preserved the three points with some stout defending in the end. In his first competitive match in charge of the Azkals, coach Josep Ferre watched his side give up the first goal to Bunheing in the 16th minute. A cross from the left was met by Bunheing who guided the ball into the far corner beyond Kevin Hansen.
The second goal came four minutes later when Om Champolin’s deflected strike wrong-footed Hansen.
The Azkals pulled a goal back in the 41st minute with Daniels pouncing on Arnel Amita’s saved long range effort. The introduction of Sandro Reyes at halftime brought more attacking verve for the Azkals and it didn’t take long for them to find the equalizer.
A lofted ball from Aguinaldo found Daniels’ run in the area and the striker coolly finished past Keo Soksela in the 55th minute.
But the Azkals were left undone by Bunheing again as the striker got in between Amani Aguinaldo and Jeff Tabinas to head home what turned out to be the match winner just before the hour mark.
Soksela denied a potential equalizer from Stephan Schrock moments later after the captain swapped passes with Mark Hartmann before firing a left footed shot.
The Azkals put more men in the box in search of another goal, but the hosts kept their nerve to win for only the fifth time in the tournament.
The Azkals travel back to Manila on Wednesday as they prepare for the clash with Brunei Darussalam two days later at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
