By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Philippine Azkals showed poise under pressure and played a terrific second half to pull off a huge comeback victory over Afghanistan, 2-1, during an international football-friendly match last September 12, 2023.
Trailing by 0-1 after conceding to a goal converted by Afghanistan’s Omid Popalzay in the 64th minute of the second half, the PHL Azkals sensed blood and urgency and flipped the switch in the remaining 26 minutes of the match.
It was late substitute Sebastian Rasmussen who found the back of the net for the Azkals to equalize the score at 1-1.
In the 74th minute, Rasmussen cruised past Afghanistan’s backline defenders and cashed in a thundering left-footed shot to bring the Azkals back into the match.
Afghanistan tried to surprise the PHL with a quick counter-attack off a midfield offensive play but the Filipino defenders fortunately tackled the ball just inches away from the penalty area for a much-needed clearance.
Just when Afghanistan thought they could continue their hounding pressure, the Azkals saw a glimmer of hope with only six minutes remaining in the international friendly.
Christian Rontini saved the best for last for the Azkals and buried the game-winning goal after a terrific running header.
The Azkals had two chances of drawing first blood in the first half as Patrick Reichelt had some clean attempts but went off the Afghanistan’s goalpost.
Afghanistan then tightened up their loose defensive coverages which gave the Azkals a hard time in breaking through their backline.
The win is a huge boost to the national team after concluding its September schedule with an impressive victory under the returning chief tactician Hans Michael Weiss.
