Azkals Take Down Chinese-Taipei in Peace Cup

By Dugout Philippines

Just minutes after Gilas Pilipinas bowed out of contention in the FIBA World Cup in Spain, its football counterparts, the Azkals, put on a show at home as they deposed Chinese-Taipei, 5-1, in the Philippine Football Peace Cup at the Rizal Memorial Football Field in Manila City.

Rob Gier drew first blood for the Azkals in the 24th minute after getting free from the Taiwanese defense for a header.

Phil Younghusband duplicated for the Philippine team 13 minutes later. The scoreline remained at 2-0 as the referee blew the halftime whistle.

Inclement weather, however, prompted the match officials to put a halt to the play at the 57th minute, but play resumed after a half-hour.

Chinese-Taipei, however, committed a huge defensive lapse eight minutes into the continuation of the match after conceding an own goal that sealed the Philippine win.

Mark Hartmann then completed a brace later in the tie for the Azkals' fourth and fifth goals.

Yen Ho-Sen scored the consolation goal for the Taiwanese squad for the final tally.

The Azkals will play Myanmar in the championship game on Saturday. The Burmese team stunned AFC Challenge Cup champion Palestine, 4-1, in the earlier game.
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