By Jonas Terrado
The Philippine Azkals secured a spot in the semifinals of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup after a 3-1 victory of Laos at the start of their campaign Wednesday night in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Kaya-Iloilo’s Jovin Bedic, Malaysian-based Misagh Bahadoran and Ateneo striker Jarvey Gayoso scored as the Azkals joined host Bangladesh in the last four of the short tournament.
Bedic broke the ice when he struck a penalty in the 44th minute, Gayoso doubled the lead in the 53rd before Bahadoran, currently playing for Perak, added a third goal for the Philippines off a spot in the 82nd.
Phithack Kongmathilath converted a consolation goal through a penalty kick two minutes before stoppage for the Laotians, who were eliminated after losing all two matches in Group B.
The Azkals are in Bangladesh sans notable names like brothers Phil and James Younghusband and English Premier League goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
Other members of the squad are Stallion-Laguna’s Fitch Arboleda and Nate Alquiros, Davao Aguilas’ Paolo Salenga, Julian Clarino, Thai-based Pika Minegishi of Pattaya United, Malaysian-based Angel Guirado of Negeri Simbilan.
The rest are Global-Cebu’s Angelo Marasigan, brothers Marwin and Marvin Angeles, Alvin Sarmiento, Jordan Jarvis, Anton del Rosario and Michael Casas, Kaya’s Ace Villanueva and Ceres-Negros’ Ed Sacapano, Amani Aguinaldo and Jerry Barbaso.
The Azkals face Bangladesh tonight for the top spot in Group B and a date with the second-ranked team of Group A.
Bracketed in the other group are Tajikistan, Palestine and Nepal.
