Thanks to a goal from Jarvey Gayoso, the Azkals walked out of Rizal Memorial celebrating a 1-0 win against Nepal.
The Philippines Men’s National Football Team gave their returning head coach, Hans Michael Weiss, a comeback to remember as the Azkals overcame Nepal in a friendly match on June 15, Thursday, in the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
To mark his first match back with the Azkals after nearly a decade, Weiss decided to bring a good balance between youngsters and veterans. The starting lineup included players such as Sandro Reyes, Oskari Kekonen, OJ Porteria, Mike Ott, and Carlie de Murga.
With this mix, the Filipino booters opened the friendly as the stronger team, controlling possession and finding numerous chances to score the opener.
Jarvey Gayoso came onto the pitch as a substitute after Patrick Reichelt looked to have a minor cut on his head. The sub worked in the Azkals’ favor as the Kaya FC player netted the only goal of the match in the 49th minute to give the Philippine side the edge, 1-0.
However, it was goalkeeper Patrick Deyto who won Man of the Match, after making two critical saves that protected the Philippines’ one-goal lead.
Walking off the pitch, over 3,000 fans who flocked to Rizal Memorial cheered on the victorious home team.
Although the Azkals and head coach Weiss are thrilled with this victory, there is evidently still more work to do as the Philippines will be facing Taiwan in another friendly match on Monday, June 19, in the same venue.
Can the Azkals go for back-to-back wins?
Banner image from The Azkals on Facebook.
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