MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals conceded goals early in each half and eventually succumbed to visiting Vietnam, 2-1, in the first leg of their semifinal match-up in the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup on Sunday night at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Duc opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a looping header that sailed past Philippine goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard. But the Philippines kept its hopes alive when Patrick Reichelt finished off a fine pass from skipper Phil Younghusband just before the halftime break, levelling the match. It was a historic goal in more ways than one, as it marked the first time that the Philippines had scored in the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup. Moreover, it was the first goal that Vietnam had conceded in the tournament. Unfortunately, the Vietnamese broke the deadlock soon after action re-started in the second half. Phan Van Duc put the visitors ahead once more, 2-1, in the 48th minute. The Azkals had several chances to equalize again, but an attempt by Younghusband was easily collected by Vietnamese ‘keeper Dang Van Lam, and another strike by Reichelt with some 10 minutes left went wide. The Philippines now faces a tough challenge when it plays Vietnam in the second leg on December 6, with the game set to be held at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi. For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.
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