THE PHILIPPINE Azkals fell further behind in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying – AFC second round campaign, after drawing 1-1 with Indonesia on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Photo Courtesy: Ryan Baldemor
The Azkals headed out to a strong start in the hopes of securing a victory in front of nearly 10,000 viewers, as they aggressively looked to punch their first goal. Patrick Reichelt’s score off an assist from Kevin Ingreso put the Azkals ahead in the 22nd minute.
Reichelt’s goal was his 15th international goal for the national team, which was looking for a big win in the second round of qualifiers.
But the Indonesians, who had just returned from a humiliating 1-5 defeat in Iraq, did not want to go home without a fight. After the break, the opponent returned with renewed vigor. Saddil Ramdami’s strike in the 70th minute gave the visitors their first goal.
Photo Courtesy: Ryan Baldemor
The Philippine squad had numerous open looks and chances to win the game. Reichelt almost scored a second goal but shot straight at Indonesian goalkeeper Ernando Ari Sutaryadi, while Santi Rublico’s shot was deflected toward the crossbar.
The Indonesian squad came close to taking the lead but the Azkals were able to block the attempts in the 73rd minute.
The Filipinos earned their first Group F point and so did the Indonesians. Both teams have yet to win a game, having been defeated by the Vietnamese and Iraqis, respectively, last Thursday.
Photo Courtesy: Ryan Baldemor
“We should have at least four points, and we have one. But that’s football. We don’t always get what we want,” said Philippine Azkals head coach Michael Weiss.
“We take it as it is, this is the situation, this is the level of Philippine football at this moment. There are some things that we need to discuss and there are some things that we cannot close our eyes to, like the physical deficit,” he added.
The two countries’ campaigns will resume on March 21, 2024. The Philippines will play Iraq on the road next, while Indonesia will host Vietnam at Jakarta’s Gelano Bung Karno Stadium.
