Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Philippine Azkals scored a 2-0 victory over Maldives in a friendly at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Thursday (September 3).
IN PHOTOS: Azkals vs. Maldives
The Azkals may have had the lion’s share of possession in the first half, but chances were too few and far in between to pose any real danger.
The breakthrough came in the second half in bizarre circumstances. In the 48th minute, Iain Ramsay whipped in a corner into the opposition box where the Maldives’ Mohamed Samdhooh blast a free header into his own net.
Just seven minutes later, the Azkals were in the scoresheet again after Jerry Lucena guided a corner in to make it 2-0.
The Philippines had the chance to extend their lead later on through Stephan Schrock, Javier Patiño, and OJ Porteria, but the Maldives keeper was up to the task.
The Azkals will take the field once more when it takes on Uzbekistan in their World Cup Qualifying fixture at the Philippine Sports Stadium on Tuesday (September 8).
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