The national team’s Dennis Chung scored a game saving equalizer in the extended minutes of second half to pull a draw against Cambodia, 1-1, in the opening Group A football match of the 30th Southeast Asian Games 2019 on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
With the Azkals U22 down by one entering the last minutes of the game, Stephan Schrock fired a shot in middle of Cambodia which got deflected off before falling to Chung’s possession to score the last and game-tying goal of the match.
In the first half, Cambodia dictated the pace of the game right from the get-go controlling most of possession with their stellar passing that allowed to them to make several goal attempts before Sokphen Keo delivered the first goal in the 40′ mark of the game.
Azkals came off more aggressive in the second half with Stehpan Schrock orchestrating their offense. The national team also had several corner kick attempts but always came away empty due to Cambodia’s pesky defense.
“I congratulate my players, staff and our supporters who kept a positive energy,” said Azkals U22 head coach Goran Milojevic.
With the addition of the senior Azkals members Amani Aguinaldo, who led the team defensive end the field, and Schrock, who was forefront of the U22’s offense, came effective against Cambodia.
“You saw, all of us saw that they are so important to us both of them,” added Milojevic. “Especially, Schrock he is so important for the younger guys. He is like an older brother he leads them and gives power in the pitch. We are very satisfied of him. He’s like one of the best players in Asia.”
In the earlier game, Myanmar and Malaysia also went in 1-1 draw.