Azkals Fall Short to Chinese Taipei in 5-Goal Thriller

Despite losing to Chinese Taipei, the Azkals fought hard to stay in the game in their second of two FIFA International Friendlies.

Coming from a victory over Nepal just last week, the Azkals were unable to go two-for-two after losing to Chinese Taipei in their second FIFA friendly match, 3-2.

The scales already seemed to be tipped in Chinese Taipei’s favor early on, as Wu Yen-shu scored a goal for the visiting team just over a minute after the first whistle. However, the Philippine side did not give up the lead easily, as they fought to level the game through a Mike Ott goal 13 minutes in.

Patrick Reichelt padded onto the Azkals’ lead, scoring a goal to bring the score to 2-1 in the Philippines’ favor with just a few minutes until the halfway mark.

Coming into the second half of the match, however, Chinese Taipei was fired up and Yao-Hsing Yu was able to find the net to level the game once again, 2-2, in the 57th minute.

Throughout the remainder of the match, it looked as though the match might have ended in a draw, as both teams struggled to regain the lead. However, it was the visitors who managed to score one final dagger to end the match 3-2 in Chinese Taipei’s favor.

Although the Azkals were unable to sweep their two FIFA international friendlies, their performances against Nepal and Chinese Taipei were both promising signs of growth for the team, with a roster full of young and experienced talent, and given that this is only the first two matches for returning head coach, Michael Weiss.

Banner image from The Azkals on Facebook.