AFC CC 2014: Philippines sinks Nepal

Doha, QATAR - The Philippine Azkals secured their first victory under Coach Thomas Dooley with a 3-0 win over Nepal Friday evening at Al Arabi Stadium, Doha, Qatar.

More importantly, three players rose to the occasion in the national team, scoring their first international goal in the win.

"I'm happy we won the first game and I hope there will be more to come," said Dooley. "The players responded every single time and it makes me happy when I watch our games."

"We're happy for the win," said team manager Dan Palami. "I think we are on the right track."

Debutante Curt Dizon broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, after Daisuke Sato sent a well placed long ball from near the halfway line for the winger, who finished with a right footed shot.

Martin Steuble made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute. The midfielder started the play with a pass to James Younghusband to the right side. The right winger returned the ball for the rushing Steuble, who delivered a thundering header past the goalkeeper.

The Azkals remained positive in the second half getting a number of chances on goal.

Substitute Ruben Doctora Jr. wrapped up the result for the Azkals in the 90th minute with a first time right-footed strike to seal the victory.

Goalkeeper Nicholas O'Donnell, who made his debut on goal, was solid throughout the match with a number of stringing saves.

"Nick was maybe a little nervous in the beginning but the longer the game went on, the better he got," said Dooley on his goalkeeper.