Azkals Vs. Bahrain U-23: Bahrain wins 2-1(Highlights Video)

Philippine Azkals had been tested by the Under-23 National Olympic Team of Bahrain. The Philippine Azkals lost by 1 goal, with a final score at 2-1 in favor of the Bahrain U-23 National Olympic Team. Philippine Azkals had been spearheaded by co-captain Chieffy Caligdong with a lone goal.

Some of the prominent players on Azkals side were not seeing action with the Philippine Team against the National Olympic Team of Bahrain u-23. Phil Younghusband, Angel Guirado and the goalkeeper of the Azkals Neil Etheridge did not play for the friendly match against Bahrain.

The goalkeeper of the Philippine Azkals was the reserved Eduard Sacapano. The friendly games against Bahrain was a test to the reserved of the Philippine Azkals and the conditioning of its first eleven players although they were not complete during the first match. Phil Younghusband was jogging around the field while the game was on-going.

The Philipine Azkals was able to limit the Bahrain U-23 National Olympic Team for just 2 goals. The Azkals was able to draw the Bahrainis after the end of the first half with a spectacular goal from local Filipino player Chieffy Caligdong.

The first game between Azkals and Bahrain U-23 was held at the National Stadium in Rifa. It had been supported by thousands of Overseas Filipinos who were showing their support to the Philippine Azkals. Bahrain was one of the strongest team in the Middle East although they were playing against the U-23 team the program was the same with their regular Olympic National Team.

The second tune-up match will be on July 18 at the Muharraq Club Stadium in Arad at 7 p.m. The friendly match between the Philippine Azkals and the Bahrain U-23 Olympic Team was part of the preparation of the Azkals for their toughest challenge against Middle East Powerhouse Kuwait.

The game was sanctioned and supported by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and the Bahrain Football (–foul word(s) removed–)ociation (BFA).

Here is the video highlights of the game between Azkals and Bahrain:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ypi9gtlzfM[/youtube]