Philippine Football Azkals was descibe by Middle East News as a Memorable game despite a 1-2 defeat to Bahrain and was under 23 Olympic team at Bahrain Stadium Riffa Today.
About 6,000 Filipinos cheering under the heat and humidity to to the venue and most whom were there longer hours befor the start of 7:00 p.m. Bahrain time for the first of two matches in the first ever Bahrain and Philippine Football Friendship Games.
Patric Solomon (One reporter said) The star-power of the Philippines Azkals clearly attracted the fans" and the Filipinos played their hearts out despite the heat and humidity long and tiring flight from Manila Philippines.
With the fans cheering every kick Philippines Azkal's captain Alexander Borromeo told one of Middle East News that they were very happy about their fans reaction and control.
Sayed Saeed scored the winning goal for Bahrain early in the second half when and stopped the azkals momentum, the Azkals weakness in defense. Saeed picked up a strong pass right in front of the goal and tapped the ball in pasts Azkals goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano.
Abdulwahab Al Malood started the scoring for Bahrain as early as ninth minute when he finished a solo run with a fancy dribble and a cracking goal past defender Anton Del Rosario. Al-Malood shot crashed into the top left side of the goal and created early advantage to Bahrain.
Solomon reported that Al-Malood's shot was impressive, Emelio Caligdongs equalizer five minutes before half time was a sight to behold. Operating on the left flank, Caligdong unleashed a rocket from nearly 30 yards out that flew into the top-left corner of goal. Bahraini goalkeeper Eyad Nasser Salem had no chance of stopping the well-hit shot, and the Filipino fans erupted in celebration.”
Their joy was killed only four minutes after the restart, Saeed put Bahrain back in front with his kick in from close range. All Goals did its job for Bahrain.
The Philippine Azkals' had a few chances to level the scores in the second half, but couldn't supply the finishing touch.
Azkals coach Michael Weiss said "It was a good experience for our side against a good Olympic team from Bahrain.We were missing a couple of players here and there, but big help to our guys who overcame their fatigue and the heat tonight. I was happy with the game, and I am looking forward to the second match. It will be a different day, so hopefully a different game." Everyone worked hard, and we did well to keep the game close. The great thing from tonight was all the support we got and it was outstanding to see all the fans come here and give us a cheer.
The Philippine Azkals and Bahrain's Olympic team are set to meet in their final match at the Muharraq Club stadium in Arad on Sunday. The Friendship Games have been organised by Creator Marketing Consultancy in partnership with the Bahrain Football Association and Philippine Football Federation. AMA International University Bahrain are the major sponsors.
Bahrain's Olympic team is using the Friendship Games to help prepare for their upcoming campaign in the main round of Asian qualifying for next years London Olympic Games. The Philippine Azkals, meanwhile, are gearing up for their matches against Kuwait later this month which are in the second round of continental qualification for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. The Philippines Azkals'are expected to fly directly to Kuwait City from Bahrain for the first leg scheduled on July 23. The return match will be played in Manila on July 28.
