Azkals boost ACQ bid with win vs. Guam

Angel Guirado happily celebrated with Mike Ott as the former scored the first goal vs. Guam. The Azkals won against Guam, 3-0. PFF

By Gil Mar Moriones

MANILA—The Philippine Azkals  got a boost in their pursuit for their second appearance in the AFC Asian Cup with an empowering 3-0 win against Guam Matao in the last window for the second round of the joint FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates Friday night.

Angel Guirado drew first blood for the Azkals off a dime from Oliver Bias, which came from left flank off a through ball by Jeff Tabinas in the 12th minute of the match.

It is the 11th international goal for the 36-year-old forward.

Unluckily for Guam's defense, Marcus Lopez got a piece of a free kick from Manny Ott only to slot it to his own goal, which doubled the lead for the Azkals in the 60th minute. 

The Philippines later sealed the deal after Mark Hartmann's set piece off a free kick went straight into goal  in the 88th minute.

Hartmann now has eight international goals as an Azkal. 

A win versus Maldives on Tuesday will assure the Azkals, currently with 10 points in the Group A table, a seat in Round 3 of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Follow him on Twitter: @gilpuyatstation