MANILA – Stephan Schrock nailed a go-ahead goal as the Under-22 national men’s football team escaped with a 1-0 victory over Malaysia in the 30h Southeast Asian Games at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
With the escape victory, the Azkals saw its record move up in Group A to four points on one win, one draw and a defeat, while Malaysia is still stuck at one point after two games.
Both teams struggled with their offense on Friday night. The match nearly ended up as a scoreless draw before Schrock delivered a simple corner kick, which was mishandled by Malaysian goalie Muhammad Haziq Nadzli.
Following Azkals’ conversion, the Malaysians tried its best to equalize several times but none were able to spoil the night of 6,500 fans in the venue, most of which vocally cheered on the home side.
“We’re very happy. We put ourselves in a situation where we can advance (to the semifinals),” Schrock said. “That was the goal and we’re very proud of the result.”
The Azkals’ next game is against Timor Leste on Dec. 4, 2019, 4 p.m. at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna where the national squad will hope for another win for a good chance of advancing in the next round./PN
