Philippines to play against Maldives

Male’, MALDIVES – The Azkals secured a place in the semi-final of the AFC Challenge Cup for a second consecutive time after beating two-time runners-up Turkmenistan in a 2-0 win today.

Philippines secured a second consecutive appearance in the semi-finals of the AFC Challenge Cup at the expense of two-time runners-up Turkmenistan after recording a 2-0 win on Saturday.

Philip Younghusband opened the scoring for the Philippines from a free kick at the start of the second half before Patrick Reichelt’s volley saw the Philippines secure top spot in Group B.

Turkmenistan had to win to secure a third consecutive semi-finals appearance, but when Aleksandr Boliyan saw his penalty saved by Philippines goalkeeper Roland Muller at the end of the first half, were unable to follow up their victory over the Philippines in the semi-finals two years ago.

Philippines goalkeeper Muller who would be the busier of the two custodians at the end of the first half as he first produced a spectacular one-handed save to turn away Ruslan Mingazov’s curling shot from outside the penalty area.

Three minutes before half-time, Muller again came to the Philippines’ rescue as the goalkeeper saved Boliyan’s penalty low to his right.

And three minutes into the second half the Philippines took full advantage as Younghusband curled a free-kick into the bottom corner from just outside the area.

Substitute Reichelt raced onto a sweeping cross from the left and acrobatically volleyed home from just outside the six yard area with 18 minutes remaining.

Turkmenistan’s Farhad Italmazov was sent-off after picking up a second yellow card in quick succession.

In the other match of the group Laos held Afghanistan with a goalless draw.

With this win to Philippines will face the tournament host, Maldives on Tuesday night in the second semifinal of tournament wile Afghanistan will face Palestine in the first semifinal in evening.