MANILA – Bienvenido Marañon had his first hat trick as an Azkal as the Philippines defeated Myanmar, 3-2, in the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup on Saturday night at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore.
The naturalized player was scorching on offense in the opening half before sitting out the second half. The Azkals ended the tournament with six points, on two wins and two losses.
The striker from Cadiz, Spain also became the first-ever Azkal to score three goals in a single game during the group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
“The beginning (with the Philippine Azkals) was hard. Every time you come in as a new player, everything is very hard,” said the United City Football Club mainstay.
“Now I find myself very good in the training, and it shows in the game. Today I showed what I can give to them,” he added.
The 35-year-old Marañon made his presence felt early by turning Myanmar’s failed clearance to a goal at the 16th minute. He then knocked in a cross from Iain Ramsay three minutes later.
Marañon then completed his hat-trick at the 45th minute mark. He moved past the defense of Myanmar before unloading a well-placed header for a 3-0 count.
Myanmar became aggressive on offense after the break with substitute midfielder Htet Phyoe Wai converting past Azkals goal keeper Kevin Hansen at the 74th minute.
Htet pulled Myanmar even closer as he slotted another goal at the 86th minute mark to trim the deficit to 2-3. They failed to score a follow up, however.
Myanmar ended the tournament as the fifth and last place in the group with three points at the back on one victory and three defeats./PN
