Phil Younghusband scored a brace to power the Philippine Azkals against an outclassed Nepal squad, 4-1, in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Tuesday night.
Younghusband skippered the Philippine national team and fired two goals in the first half.
He converted his first goal after the Philippines was awarded a penalty kick in the 21st minute. A couple of minutes later, Younghusband struck again to erect a 2-0 lead against the Nepalese squad.
It was Iain Ramsey’s turn to score in the 28th minute when his volley found the back of the net to give the Azkals a commanding 3-0 lead.
Nepal, however, refused to back down. Shortly before the half ended, Bishal Rai managed to slide one in for the visiting team to cut the Azkals’ lead, 3-1.
But the Azkals would have none of it as Javier Patino scored the fourth goal for the Philippines in the 2nd half.
The Azkals are trying to become the first Philippine team to break into the AFC Asian Cup.
The Philippines has won four of its last five matches against Nepal.
The Azkals are clustered together with Nepal, Tajikistan, Yemen in Group F of the qualifiers.(D. Gasgonia, abs-cbn)