Azkals suffer heartbreaker in AFC Challenge Cup final

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals’ magical run hit the end of the road when it rammed into the best defensive team of the tournament.

Palestine preserved its streak of not allowing a goal in a close 1-0 win against the Azkals at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives Friday night to win the AFC Challenge Cup and booked the last ticket to the Asian Cup next year.

The tournament’s leading scorer Ashraf Alfawaghra scored the marginal goal off a free kick on top of the box in the 58th minute. It was enough to uplift the spirits of his countrymen back in their war-torn nation and purge the ghost of their loss to the Azkals in the battle for third in the last edition of this tournament.

Palestine dominated the match all throughout controlling most of the possession. The Azkals though had their chances but could not convert.

The Palestinians proved they were not only the best defensive team of the tournament but also showed up with a better offense peppering the Azkals with 16 shots, eight on target, which led to Alfawaghra’s goal. The Azkals just had nine shots on goal with only two on target.

The Filipinos grew frustrated towards the end of the match with Azkals manager Dan Palami asked to leave the technical area due to excessive complaining.

Despite the loss and his ejection, Palami was gracious in defeat as he acknowledged that the Palestinians played a better game.

The Azkals have nothing to be ashamed of as their second place finish will go down to be their best performance yet in the  history of the AFC Challenge Cup.— Philstar.com (FREEMAN)