Philippine Azkals vs Al Ahli SC (Doha, Qatar) tonight live at 11:30 p.m. (kick-off at 12 midnight) on Studio 23.
Replay:
Azkals vs. Al Ahli SC replay on Feb. 14, Tues. at 10 p.m. on Studio 23.
Al Ahli SC or Al Ahli Sports Club is a football club based in Doha, Qatar. It is the oldest sports club in Qatar founded in 1950.
James Younghusband taking charge as Captain in the absence of Captain Ali Borromeo and vice Captain Emelio Caligdong.
Philippine 1 vs 0 Al Ahli SC - Phil Younghusband, through an indirect free kick inside the penalty box.
interesting game, watching now. quite an odd goal in the first 10 minutes when the arab goalie (looked to be a 40-ish overweight amateur) handled a backpass inside the 6 yard box... leading to an indirect kick from about 6 yards away which was powered in by (I think) PYH.
Much better controlling play by the Azkals in the opening half hour, with good defense typified by a great block of a centering pass by Jason Sabio at about the 15 minute mark. Good chances for the Azkals...
I wish it will be shown here in TFC via Bro channel. Still my colleagues are watching news
Philippine 2 vs 0 Al Ahli SC - Dennis Wolfe at 45', first goal for the Philippine team.
The big bellied goalie was probably a Qatari football legend, a testimonial match for him in the first 5 minutes. In fairness to him, he did a good save from a PY shot on goal.
Azkals 2 - 0 Al Ahli (Halftime). Wow!
Ok, half time and the Azkals looking much better in this match 2-nil up. Wolf scored the second goal in the 44th minute after great buildup play between Guirado who passed to PYH, who stabbed at it causing the keeper to only be able to push it out, collected by Wolf who nailed it in. Where was the Al Haliy defense? The Azkals had the run of the field on this one, their defense was woeful, the keeper really can't be faulted on this one. All credit to Guirado, who is having the best game I have seen him play for the Azkals with some sweet passes, as well as the alert play of PYH and Wolf to follow up.
So far, we have seen very disciplined play by the Azkals, effectively running the trap in defense, with very strong positional play often times exhibiting the 4-4-2 formation with great precision. I think the best part of the game so far has been the defense. Sabio had a great block in the 15th minute, and has been very controlled in his play on defense - a player who I felt really needed to step up to be able to compete at this level. Also very strong has been Angel Guirado's brother Juanb Luis, who I feel has been very strong in controlling his area. Finally, De Jong has been a powerful presence in the back, not taking any shyte from the Qatari players, and really giving it back with interest to the Arab players. Great job overall by the defense, who have shown much more organization and concentration in their play in this match.
Finally, I have to give a vote of great appreciation for the Filipinos in attendance at the game. Their constant vocal support is really putting the hosts to shame. They are well and truly the 12th man tonight!
Second half about to start, Al Ahli putting away their young talent and now bringing in the regulars. They appear to be playing with 3 up front, with wingers coming forwad aggressively. Well, lets see how the Azkals put up with the increased pressure...
Philippines 3 vs 0 Al Ahli SC - Rolling ball by Phil Younghusban in the 52'. An ego bruising goal for the oldest club in Qatar.
PYH scores in the 52nd minute after a long ball Mueller and poor positional play by the Al Ahli defense allows PYH to go in alone and poke it past the opposing goaling with a weak left footed stab.... Azkal defense very solid now, springing our guys forward against the Qataris who now seem to be playing 3 guys at the back. JYH just missed a great chance...
Philippines 3 vs 1 Al Ahli SC - The Qatari club is back in the game with a deflected goal.
Goal by Al Ahli player
57th minute Al Ahli scores... they are flooding as many as 7 players in the last third of their field, a lazer pass found one of their players open at the edge of the 6 yard box who hit a powerful one-touch shot right along the ground and into the corner. Mueller didn't have much chance on that one.
Yes, sayang yung assist sana by James to brother Phil. It would have been a hat trick for PY.
63 minutes and Guirado looks spent. Seems like he only makes about 60 minutes per game... still not fully fit? Announcer said earlier that Angel has been having some ankle problems
67:31 and PYH powers another shot 20ft over the bar... think he was trying to lob the keeper but got way too much on the ball
Penalty kick missed by Guirado.
71:50 great thru ball by PYH and the goalie trips Angel AFTER he pushes the ball away... penalty call but could have gone either way but is awarded, Angel steps up and misses (again)... ball hit post, keepers head, and bounced away...
