Booters force draw vs Brunei

The Philippines scrambled to draw upset-conscious Brunei, 1-1, and remain in contention in the 2007 Suzuki Cup Qualifying Tournament at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last Sunday.

Down 0-1 early in the first half, the Filipino booters equalized on a header by Fil-Am Chad Gould, who knotted the count from a cross pass by veteran forward Yanti Barsales in the 50th minute.

Sharing the spotlight was Fil-British goalie Neil Etheridge as the Fulham reserve came up with several spectacular saves as the Philippines remained unbeaten in two matches following their 1-0 triumph over Timor Leste last Friday.

On a day of standoffs, host Cambodia kept abreast with the Filipinos at the top of the standings after battling Timor Leste to 2-2 in the other match.

The Philippines and Cambodia are deadlocked in first place in the five-nation qualifiers that will pick two teams advancing to the Suzuki Cup, the Asean Men’s Football Championship, main draw in December with four points each.