Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manila: The Philippines survived a late scare but will head into their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifier against Tajikistan on a high after beating Fiji 3-2 in a friendly at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Thursday.
Philippines only need a draw against Tajikistan in their final Group F tie on Tuesday to seal a first-ever appearance in the AFC Asian Cup and they were dominant against Fiji.
After several missed attempts, Philippines took the lead in the 29th minute through James Younghusband.
Eight minutes into the second half, Hikaru Minegishi doubled their lead and their fans were rewarded again in the 61st when Kevin Ingreso found the back of the net.
A lapse in concentration, however, saw Fiji pull one back through Ame Votoniu in the 74th minute.
Seven minutes later, Roy Krishna pulled another one back for Fiji from the penalty spot and that set the stage for a nervy closing minutes for the Azkals.
However, they held firm and with the win in the bag, they can now prepare for Tajikistan.
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