The Philippine Azkals was defeated by Indonesia in an international FIFA friendly match with the final score at 0-2, in front of the hostile Indonesian crowd at the Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Indonesia.
The Azkals fielded an unusual mix of players on defense, some of them playing out of their natural positions. Midfielder James Younghusband started as a defender alongside versatile winger Carlie de Murga and Jeffrey Christiaens in the backline led by veteran defender Rob Gier.
During the first half of the game, the Azkals’ inexperienced defense took a tool on team with the Indonesians creating at least four goal chances in the first 26 minutes of play. At around 31st minutes, Stefanon Lilipaly threw a short cross to Greg Nwokolo, who scored the first goal that caught Azkals goalkeeper Ed Sacapano flat-footed.
The Indonesians continued its relentless attack against the Philippine Azkals and the host team scored another goal at around 66th minute when Muhammad Roby scored a header off a corner kick. The Azkals tried to bounce back against the Indonesians finding offensive chances at the goal.
Late subs Marwin Angeles and OJ Porteria had great attempts, as did Phil Younghusband and Misagh Bahadoran in the closing minutes. The Azkals attempt failed to hit the mark and ended scoreless in Indonesia.
Watch the highlights video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nws5XVXBaKU