Azkals vs Bangladesh Results: Azkals wins, 3-0, advances to AFC Challenge Cup 2012

The Philippine Azkals have made us so proud when they won earlier vs Bangladesh with a score of 3-0, during their final match in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers.

That's more than what we've expected right?

The Azkals vs Bangladesh match happened at Myanmar's Bogyoke Aung San Stadium, 3:30 PM, (5:00 PM Manila Time) and despite having no live TV coverage, the live updates from ABS-CBN's Dyan Castillejo and Inquirer's Cedelf Tupas were enough to keep us updated with the game. (Read live updates HERE).

And definitely, they're more than enough for us to celebrate with the victory of the Azkals, who now qualifies for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

The Azkals indeed played amazingly, most especially Ian Araneta who scored the first goal and Angel Aldeguer Guirado who scored the next two goals. The deliveries of the goal were reportedly so much impressive!

Group A Final Team Standing:
1. Palestine (2 wins, 1 draw) 7 points
2. Philippines (1 win, 2 draws) 5 points
3. Bangladesh (1 win, 2 losses) 3 points
4. Myanmar (1 draw, 2 losses) 1 point

And so far, these are the teams who have already qualified for the 2012 AFC Challange Cup:

Group A: Palestine and Philippines
Group B: India and Turkmenistan
Group C: Maldives and Tajikistan
Group D: (still to be determined)

And what's more amazing is that, the Philippines is the only one so far from among the 8 lowest-ranked teams (those who went through the pre-qualifiers) who has already qualified for the final tournament.

A well-deserved "hero's welcome" awaits the Philippine Azkals as they come back to Manila this Sunday.

AZKALS' TWEETS AFTER THEIR HISTORIC WIN AGAINST BANGLADESH

@Jsabio3 (Jason Sabio) "What a feeling! Thank you to all the Azkal fans!! This win was for y'all and for us. Pinoy Pride! Let's celebrate this historic moment!! :)"

@anton_delro (Anton del Rosario) "Great win, good feeling, priceless!!! Thank you all for the support, couldn't have done it without you guys!"

@alybor11 (Aly Borromeo) "On to the final 8.. What a sweet victory! History in the books once more!! Thank you everyone for your undying support! :)"

@Neil38Etheridge (Neil Etheridge) "Heya all! Thank you for your support! Massive win! The team played well! Celebrations!"

Azkals vs Bangladesh Mar. 25 live updates here

Azkals' last chance to qualify for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup is happening at 3:30 PM in Rangoon, Myanmar (5 PM in Manila).

On the bottom of this page, Mykiru will blog the live Twitter updates from ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo (@DyanCastillejo) and Inquirer reporter Cedelf Tupas (@cedelfpt) who are both in Myanmar to cover the exciting match of the Philippine Azkals and the Bengal Tigers from Bangladesh.

The Azkals MUST win this game to be able to advance to the next round.

Just like in the previous two matches, last Monday and Wednesday, there will be no live streaming again or a live TV coverage of the Azkals vs Bangladesh.

So we have to settle with the live updates from Ms. Dyan and Mr. Cedelf.

***

AZKALS' STARTING 11 LINE-UP FOR ITS MATCH VS BANGLADESH:
Neil Etheridge
James Younghusband
Aly Borromeo
Anton Del Rosario
Ian Araneta
Ray Jonsson
Jerry Lucena
Chieffy Caligdong
Jason Sabio
Angel Guirado
Yanti Barsales

No more Rob Gier in the line-up as he has returned to England to be with his wife who's 4-month pregnant with his first child.

“My wife is ill and she needs me,” Gier tells Inquirer's Cedelf Tupas. "As much as I wanted to play for the Philippines, my family is my priority as of the moment.”

Simon Greatwich is also removed from the line-up. Some say he got suspended from playing in the Bangladesh match. But he's in fact a substitute player for this crucial match.

Other substitute players are: William Espinosa, Roel Gener, Patrick Hinrichsen, Nestorio Margarse, Eduard Sacapaño and Yannick Tuason.


***

Here we go... Live Blogging the Philippines (Azkals) in blue vs Bangladesh (Bengal Tigers) in red and green.

[Highlighted are the times that a team has scored a goal. Just scroll down!]


4:55 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Players are on the field now. Wearing all blue. Laban #azkals!

4:56 PM: @cedelfpt: The Bangladesh keeper Mamun is as tall as Neil Etheridge

4:58 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Just sang our national anthem. Game`s going to start soon

5:00 PM @cedelfpt kick off

5:01 PM @cedelfpt Bangladesh with one striker, Ameli. An early injury stoppage Zahid

5:02 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO bangladesh playing defensive no 7 down from bangladesh

5:04 PM @cedelfpt first attempt by Angel long range striker straight to the keeper. 4 mins

5:06 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO throw in bangladesh

5:06 PM @cedelfpt Chieffy floats dangerous cross for James but keeper clears 6th min

5:12 PM @cedelfpt Zahid with a shot on goal. brilliant stop by Neil Etheridge 12th min 0-0

5:13 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Ray J. steals ball from bangladesh

5:13 PM @cedelfpt Araneta went for glory, despite his poor position and his shot goes way wide 13th min

5:15 PM @cedelfpt free kick Bangladesh from 35 yards easily collected by Neil

5:17 PM @cedelfpt Chieffy eludes 2 defenders and delivers low shot from tight angle saved by Bang keeper. stil 0-0 17th min

5:18 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Neil taking free kick

5:19 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Recieved by James with a header but Araneta didn`t recieve

5:21 PM @cedelfpt another cross from Chieffy for Ian but Bangladesh clear again 21st min 0-0

5:23 PM @cedelfpt long range strike from Angel easy save by Bang keeper. James earns foul for 25-yard free kick

5:24 PM @cedelfpt Chieffy takes it,shot bounces off the wall.

5:25 PM @cedelfpt Araneta well-marked cant get a touch on those crosses. Chieffy working overtime on the left flank 25th min

5:26 PM @cedelfpt Zahid with an ambitious effort on the counter. shot goes over the bar

5:29 PM @cedelfpt Lucena dispossessed but recovers ball from Zahid. 29th min.

5:30 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO 30 minutes, 0-0

5:32 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO good passing bangladesh. well, im nervous, they are keeping the balls well

5:33 PM @cedelfpt Araneta threatens to break but flagged offside. 33rd min. 0-0

5:34 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO bangladesh if they draw have good chance of qualifying as long as myanmar doesnt win by more than 3 -0. bangladesh taking time

5:37 PM @cedelfpt free kick for James from the right, Anton takes a shot that gets deflected for a corner.

5:38 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO another corner kick philippines chiefy another chance tall bangladesh goalie jumps up catches

5:39 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO 39 minutes gone 0--

5:41 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO GOAL BY ARANETA!!! Philippines 1, Bangladesh 0

5:42 PM @cedelfpt Barsales started move from right, passed to Angel who finds space for a shot that was blocked.

5:43 PM @cedelfpt ball falls kindly to Araneta, Keeps his composure 2 beat keeper

5:44 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO corner kick for azkals

5:45 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO 1st half just ended

5:46 PM @cedelfpt 1 min of injury time. that was araneta's 9th int'l goal and his first since hat-trick vs Timor in Suzuki Cup qualifying last yr

5:47 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO pinoy flags waving here!!! rejoicing 15vminute break then 45 mins if we win even 1 -0 phils makes history qualifying for challenge cup

6:00 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO 2nd half about to start

6:02 PM @cedelfpt Bangladesh also has around 20 to 30 fans here at Aung San Stadium. 2nd half starts #Azkals

6:04 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Foul called for Lucena

6:05 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO foul by angel

6:06 PM @cedelfpt quiet start to the 2nd half for #azkals. ian gets into dangerous area but loses ball.aly intervenes on a couple of through balls

6:08 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO bangladesh player fouls angel

6:09 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO anton takes free kick

6:10 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO james passes to Ian and Ian heads the ball. ALMOST got another goal!

6:11 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO anton throw in

6:12 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO GOAL BY ANGEL!!! GREAT HEADER. Philippines 2, Bangladesh 0

6:15 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO NOW 2-0, 55 minutes. LETS GO AZKALS!

6:16 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO ref calls off side for bangladesh

6:17 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO foul for bangladesh. Anton takes the kick

6:19 PM @cedelfpt Shouldve been 3-0. quick counter attack Angel releases James on the side, Bang keeper saves shot with his legs. 59th min

6:21 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO yellow card for bangladesh player

6:23 PM @cedelfpt ian hits post on volley, but hes also marginally offside. 63rd min. still 2-0

6:29 PM @cedelfpt Bangladesh shot from outside the box goes wide.

6:31 PM @cedelfpt great through ball from James for Anton, who sends a low cross from the right but keeper quick to collect as Ian rushes to get a touch.

6:32 PM @cedelfpt Gener getting ready to come in #Azkals

6:33 PM @cedelfpt James with another shot from the edge of the area but the Bangladesh defender gets a block. 75th min

6:34 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO bangladesh player fouls James. Aly takes free kick

6:34 PM @cedelfpt it's also worth mentioning the stellar job of the backline of Aly and Sabio,Anton,Ray and Lucena as def midfield #Azkals

6:35 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Gener sub for cheiffy

6:36 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO great steal by Lucena

6:37 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO ANGEL GOAL AGAIN. Philippines 3, Bangladesh 0

6:40 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO SImon Greatwich in Barsales out

6:44 PM @cedelfpt sub Tuason getting ready to come in for James Younghusband 89th min

6:48 PM @cedelfpt 2 min injury time. it shouldnt be long now. celebration time. James gets a round of applause

6:49 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Yannick Tuason in James YH out

6:51 PM @DYANCASTILLEJO Final score Philippines 3- 0 Bangladesh


Congratulations to the Philippine Azkals! They finished 2nd in Group A and now qualifies along with Palestine for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

Azkals safe in Myanmar following the strong 7.0 earthquake

The Azkals have experienced the strong 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar just last night, March 24, 2011.

But thanks God, they're safe.

The Philippine Azkals who are still in Yangon, Myanmar for one more match in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers are reported safe, courtesy of ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo who's also in Myanmar to cover the Azkals matches.

Azkals player Anton Del Rosario shared on Twitter that they were on the 9th floor of a hotel in Myanmar when the earthquake happened and had to rush down using the fire exit.

"Felt the earthquake in the hotel, thought it was vertigo lol," Anton tweets. "Team ran down 9 stories. Seems like quakes are following us!"

The Azkals were also in Japan when the 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the country last March 11, 2011.

Azkals ranks behind Palestine and Bangladesh so far in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers

Azkals only ranks 3rd so far in the Group A Team Standing of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Qualification (Group) Stage.

After the team's failure to win the last two matches, which both ended up in a draw, the Philippine Azkals was only able to earn 1 point for each match.

The Palestine Fighters is leading so far with 4 points. The team earned 3 points for the match they won against Bangladesh last Monday and another point for the 0-0 game yesterday against the Azkals.

The Bengal Tigers from Bangladesh is now in 2nd place after they won against Myanmar White Angels yesterday, which gave them 3 big points. They earned no point for the game they lost to Palestine last Monday.

The Philippines is ranked 3rd as of Wednesday, with 2 points, while Myanmar, the host country, is at the bottom, with just 1 point.

Now this is crucial for the Philippine Azkals.

There's one more match left for them in the AFC 2012 Challenge Cup Group Stage and it will be against Bangladesh tomorrow, March 25.

If the Philippine Azkals loses that game or even serves up a draw, the Filipino football team won't advance to the next round and will be eliminated.

They really need to win that match to be able to earn 3 points and ranks on top or 2nd in the team standing.

Goodluck Azkals!!!! You can do it!

Azkals vs Palestine Live Updates, Mar 23 Match, AFC Challenge Cup 2012

The Azkals vs Palestine match under Group A of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Qualification Stage is happening right now, March 23, 2011, in Myanmar.

Read on for live updates from Twitter:

*The Philippine Azkals' Starting Line-Up:

Neil Etheridge
James Younghusband
Aly Borromeo
Ian Araneta
Ray Jonsson
Rob Gier
Anton Del Rosario
Chieffy Caligdong
Simon Greatwich
Angel Aldeguer
Jerry Lucena

*From Cedelf Tupas: [5:01 PM] Nat'l Anthem playing now. Azkals in new white kits. Neil wearing all-blue. Palestine in red.

*From Dyan Castillejo: [5:00] Game starts.

[5:01] Throw in Anton

[5:02] Long kick Palestine, Jerry heads it to Phil, now in possession and gives it to Anton

*From Cedelf Tupas [5:04] Azkals have most of the ball from 2 minutes, but Palestine earns 1st corner

[5:07] Pal's Ashraf wd dangerous run after dispossessing Angel, but striker Murad offside. 0-0, 7th minute.

*From Dyan Castillejo: [5:08] Foul by Aly

[5:09] Good catch by Neil after Palestine's free kick

[5:10] Foul by Simon

*From Cedelf Tupas: [5:11] PAL conservative style hoping to catch us on counter, following Azkals to play possession

[5:12] Angel still feeling effects of muscle strain, going down easily on soft tackles.

[5:13] PAL difficult to break down wd 5 man midfield. Azkals settling for long balls.

[5:14] 13th min first corner for Azkals cleared by Palestine

[5:18] First chance from PAL Ismael shot deflected side netting. Murad hits post on d ensuing corner. 18th min still 0-0.

[5:20] Neil struggling wd placement of his free kicks

[5:22] PAL wing play on right causing problems for Azkals

[5:23] PAL's Ismael has already beaten Jonsson twice on d right flank. Aly clears.

[5:25] Ian chests down Anton's long pass at the edge of area, plenty of space but no one is there to shoot

[5:32] Chieffy earns free kick left side. James wd delivery ball bounces on Ian and Rob's head and out for throw-in.

[5:33] Greatwich yellow card for simulation / diving inside the box. 0-0.

*From Dyan Castillejo:
[5:34] Another attempt by PAL way over goal post

[5:35] Foul by PAL first one, ball to PH. Neil kicks long to Angel.

[5:36] Oh my God! Long kick by PAL almost went in. Thank God it hit goal post, Neil leaped up to post and he is now down, oh no.

[5:37] Ok Neil is up. Long kick now.

[5:40] Corner kick for PAL.

[5:41] So many defenders, Chieffy down, got hit in bad spot

[5:42] Another attempt by PAL. Neil gets it. Yes!

[5:45] 45 mins gone, 2 mins extra now.

[5:46] Corner kick for PH

[5:47] Ok, it's half time. 15 min. break.

*From Cedelf Tupas: [6:02] 2nd half starts. No change for Azkals.

[6:04] Attempt: Angel wd back header too high after free kick from Ray. 46th min.

[6:11] Great defending Gier. Ashraf trying to cut inside from left but Rob gets a touch for a goal kick.

[6:13] Attempt: PAL stinging shot from 30 yard, Neil easily saves. 56th min.

[6:18] Sub Yannick Tuason for Greatwich. 61st min.

[6:19] Angel wd a header off Anton's free kick saved by PAL's Abdallah. 62nd min.

*From Dyan Castillejo: [6:23] Corner kick for PAL

[6:26] yellow card for player 41 of PAL

[6:35] yellow card for Anton

[6:39] 0-0 still. Lots of attempts so far by the Azkals

*From Cedelf Tupas: [6:40] The pacy swinger Ismail of PAL is substituted. Both teams just lack quality to finish.

[6:48] 3 min. injury time. Rob Gier's header from Anton free kick straight at Abdullah

[6:49] Palestine in no rush. Look like they'll be happy wd a draw.

FINAL SCORE: 0-0

Azkals vs Myanmar March 21 match replay video airs on Studio 23

Azkals' game with Myanmar yesterday, March 21, 2011, for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers (Groups Stage) at the Thuwana Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar will finally be aired tomorrow, March 23, on Studio 23.

ABS-CBN Sports has confirmed in a statement that they finally have the video of the game yesterday between the Philippine Azkals and the White Angels from Myanmar, which resulted to a 1-1 draw.

They're going to air it Wednesday evening, with a replay on Thursday afternoon.

But they're telling us not to expect a good quality of the video.

ABS-CBN Sports' Official Statement:
"Barring any flight delays, ABS-CBN Sports will air MYA-PHL match tom. at 10:15 p.m. (replay on Mar. 24, Thurs., 3 p.m.) on St. 23. Video quality is far from the best as it was shot by MRTV."

It's okay! At least, we're going to see it, rather than never.

And also, don't expect that the next two matches of the Philippine Azkals in Myanmar will also be aired live.

Yesterday, ABS-CBN Sports wasn't able to air live via satellite the Azkals vs Myanmar match. (Read: Azkals vs Myanmar Live Streaming / Live Feed on Studio 23 not possible)

Tomorrow (March 23), the Azkals will battle against Palestine then versus Bangladesh on Friday (March 25).

So far, the football team from from Palestine is the one leading in Group A of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Qualification Stage. They now have 3 points, after they won the match against Bangladesh yesterday.

Philippines and Myanmar tie in 2nd place with 1 point each (since their match ended up in a draw) while Bangladesh is ranked last so far with no point assigned since they lost to Palestine.

To make it sure, the Azkals need to win their next two games to be able to advance to the next round.

Azkals vs Myanmar Live Streaming / Live Feed on Studio 23 not possible

[LATEST UPDATE: Philippine Azkals vs Myanmar White Angels ends in a draw, 1-1]

The Philippine Azkals faces Myanmar today for the first of its 3
qualifying games in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012.

But unlike in the previous two pre-qualifying playoffs of the Philippine Azkals vs Mongolia, we're not gonna be seeing the action in
Myanmar live on Studio 23.

ABS-CBN Sports, who's the one who negotiates the airing of Azkals matches, released an official statement on its Facebook Page about why it isn't possible for us to see a live feed or a live streaming of the
Azkals vs Myanmar game on Studio 23.

According to the statement, the Myanmar Radio and Television network hasn't given the permit to ABS-CBN Sports to feed live the match on our local
network Studio 23.

Really? Or they just don't want us to see their team losing to the Azkals?

But a delayed telecast is somehow possible.

Here's the statement from ABS-CBN Sports:

"We regret to inform the public, that at this point, ABS-CBN Sports' contacts with the Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) are unlikely
going to get the permit to beam the AFC Challenge Cup matches live via
satellite to the Philippines. Negotiations are now underway for the
broadcast rights and tape copies of MRTV's coverage of the Azkal's matches in Yangon.

DZMM 630 though will have live updates of the game straight from Dyan Castillejo who's in Myanmar now to cover the game.