Azkals defeats team Laos in Bangabandhu Gold Cup

FILE: Preparation for the Suzuki Cup and the Asian Cup begin in earnest this September as the team fly to Bahrain today (Photo: The Azkals/Website)

The Philippine national football team, better known as the Philippine Azkals, reigned victorious in its match against Laos, giving it a seat in the semifinals of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup in Bangladesh.  

The score ended 3-1 in favor of the Filipinos. The goals were scored by Jovin Bedic, who opened the 44th minute with a point after a penalty attempt, Javier Gayoso, and Misagh Bahadoran.

Gayoso made his debut by scoring his first goal for the team at the 53rd minute, while Bahadoran scored another penalty at minute 82.

The only point Laos scored was through a penalty kick in the game’s last minute. Because of their loss, Laos has been eliminated from the entire tournament.

Besides Gayoso from Ateneo de Manila, another former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) star to look out for is Ian Clarino of the Davao Gilas.

The two were personally handpicked to be a part of the team for this tournament. Gayoso found out that he was part of the team in a letter by Atty. Edwin B. Gastanes, General Secretary of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), which read, “We are requesting for your kind understanding for the release of player Gayoso and excuse him from his academic responsibilities… to join the PHI-MNT for the tournament.

” which he replied in a tweet, “Thankful for another opportunity to represent the country!

”

Da Palami, Azkals Team Manager, announced previously as well about the debut of midfielder John Patrick Strauss from FC Zurich.

Participating in the Bangladeshi Bangabandhu Gold Cup, which is organized by the Bangladesh Football Federation, is a preparation for the Azkals, as they will soon also play in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 and the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.