Azkals settle for scoreless draw sans key players

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Azkals opened their AFC Challenge Cup bid with a scoreless draw against Afghanistan on Tuesday (early Wednesday Manila time) at the Addu Football Stadium in Maldives.

Despite missing key players, the Azkals still played solid especially late in both halves but failed to cash in on several chances.

One golden opportunity slipped away right before halftime when James Younghusband's shot hit the the crossbar and Jason de Jong's follow-up attempt failed to find the back of the net. The Phl side continued to press its attack in the second half but the Afghanistan goalie played huge with several great saves.

Bundesliga star Stephan Shrock almost had a rocket but it was tipped away while Patrick Reichelt narrowly missed a header in the 89th minute. Martin Steuble tried one last time to lift the Azkals a minute before the final whistle was blown but was also denied by Afghanistan keeper.

Both teams earned solitary point in the match that was delayed for an hour due to bad weather conditions.

Phil Younghusband and team captain Rob Gier missed the match due to accumulated yellow cards while Carlie de Murga was nursing an injury.

The Azkals will try to bounce back on Thursday against Laos, which earlier absorbed a 5-1 beating from Group B leader Turkmenistan.